Sportsday - Wednesday 5 September as it happened

That concludes Sportsday Live for today. Thank you for your company and please do join us again for another day of sport coverage from 0800 BST tomorrow morning, as we kick things off as usual with the latest football gossip. Bye for now.

Great Britain's Sam Ruddock misses out on a final place in the men's 200m T35 as he finishes fourth fastest in his heat. Hernan Barreto, Teboho Mokgalagadi and Ivan Otleykin all qualify.

Jordan Howe did not take part in the second heat, which is won by Iurii Tsaruk. Also qualifying from the second heat are Allel Boukhalfa and Fu Xinhan, with Niels Stein and Anton Bubnov qualifying as fastest runners-up.

It is a world record for South Africa in the men's 4x100m relay T42/T46 as Oscar Pistorius crosses the finish line in a time of 41.78 seconds for his team. It is Pistorius's first gold medal of the London2012 Paralympics.

There is big disappointment for the Brazilian and American teams, though. They had come home second and third respectively but were disqualified. Consquently, China get silver and Germany bronze.

Alastair Cook did not try to hide from the truth of England's hapless batting performance as they suffered a seven-wicket defeat to South Africa tonight. The result means England surrendered their one-day international series lead and ended up having to share the spoils at 2-2 with South Africa.

"We're clearly very frustrated, disappointed - especially with the manner of the dismissals," he says. "I don't think I've played in a game where we've given away so many dismissals before.

"These things can happen. It's very frustrating when it does happen to you, especially in a series that's there to win."

Oscar Pistorius is part of the South Africa team that will shortly compete in the men's 4x100m T42/46 final. Earlier, Pistorius secured his place in the T44 100m final - a race Great Britain's Jonnie Peacock will also compete in.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson gives her thoughts on the highly-rated Peacock, who broke the 100m world record in July: "I think the team has been trying to keep down expectations and try not to push him too hard, but seeing him in the heats he just looked such a strong sprinter.

Andy Murray is about to get under way against Marin Cilic in the US Open quarter-finals. Live commentary is available on BBC Radio 5 lvie sports extra, with text commentary on the BBC Sport website.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson praises Sarah Storey's versatility as the swimmer-turned-cyclist prepares to bid for her 11th Paralympic Games gold medal.

Storey has 21 Paralympic medals, 10 of them gold, and tomorrow will ride in the 64-kilometre road race at Brands Hatch bidding to draw level with former wheelchair racer Grey-Thompson as Britain's most successful female Paralympian of all time.

"She's been such an amazing athlete for years," BBC Radio 5 Live's Grey-Thompson says. "It's good for her and for cycling that she's going well. With two track, two road, it's a pretty tough schedule."

A late goal sends Oxford United through to the second round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy southern section at the expense of local rivals Swindon. Alfie Potter takes advantage of a defensive mix up to fire home two minutes from time and give the hosts victory.

Great Britain's Sally Brown, 17, finishes sixth in the final of the Women's 100m T46. Cuba's Yunidis Castillo wins gold, with Russian Nikol Rodomakina and Yanping Wang of China taking silver and bronze respectively.

"I had a bad start, it was not really a great race for me but the crowd was amazing and it was such a great experience," Brown tells BBC Radio 5 live.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic reaches the US Open quarter-finals as Swiss 18th seed Stanislas Wawrinka retires from their fourth-round match.

Djokovic was 6-4 6-1 3-1 ahead when Wawrinka called it quits and he will next face either 2009 champion Juan Martin Del Potro, the Argentine seventh seed, or 2003 winner Andy Roddick for a place in the semi-finals.

Veteran World Cup winning duo prop Tony Woodcock and centre Conrad Smith were among five changes to the New Zealand side that beat Australia last time to start against Argentina in their Rugby Championship test in Wellington on Saturday.

Aside from the return of Woodcock and Smith flanker Victor Vito and lock Brodie Retallick get starts with Liam Messam and Samuel Whitelock moving to the bench while Julian Savea wins his third cap on the wing in place of Hosea Gear.

Prop Charlie Faumuina, looks set to make his All Blacks debut as he replaces Bne Franks on the bench.

BBC Sport's Nick Hope at the Olympic Stadium: "Great Britain have their second medal of the night and this time it is silver! Bethany Woodward, who has cerebral palsy, edges ahead of Germany's Maria Seifert in the T37 200m final to cross the line in 29.65 seconds.

"It's marginally slower than the time Woodward went in this morning's heats, but even a repeat of that time would not have seen her beat Johanna Benson's Paralympic record of 29.26."

Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic successfully wore down Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber to win their rain-delayed fourth round clash 6-3 7-6 6-2 at the US Open.

Tipsarevic, seeded eighth, is through to the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows for the second consecutive year but has never made a semi-final at any grand slam. His next opponent is Spanish fourth seed David Ferrer, who beat the foul weather to win his fourth round match on Tuesday and get a day off.

The father of Radamel Falcao claims that the Atletico Madrid striker dreamed of playing for fierce rivals Real as a boy. The 26-year-old hit a hat-trick in a dominant 4-2 victory over European champions Chelsea last week as Atletico lifted the Super Cup for a second time in two years.

But the striker's father says his son's ambition was always to play in the white shirt of Real Madrid.

Quoted in Marca, Radamel Garcia told Colombian radio programme 'En Gran debate de Todelar': "His dream is to play for Real Madrid."

Italian ex-Formula 1 driver Alex Zanardi, who lost both legs following a crash in 2001, describes winning Paralympic gold in London as "a great accomplishment, one of the greatest of my life".

BBC Sport's Saj Chowdhury at the Aquatics Centre: "Another missed golden opportunity for ParalympicsGB at the pool. Louise Watkin is edged out by China's Lin Ping in the S9 50m freestyle. China's 17th gold of the competition."

One game in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tonight with Oxford United hosting local rivals Swindon and it is goalless at half-time.

South Africa beat England by seven wickets to win fifth one-day international. The series is drawn 2-2.

BBC Sport's Nick Hope at the Olympic Stadium: T12 800m bronze medallist David Devine, who is visually impaired, reveals that he had to ask an official whether the crowds roar meant he had followed up his 1500m third-place finish with another medal.

Devine said: "When he told me, I was made up.

"I don't do enough speed work to expect to be so successful in the 800m and my legs felt so heavy. I couldn't get going at all, so I'm delighted to get a medal."

Russian third seed Maria Sharapova advances to the semi-finals of the US Open with a 3-6 6-3 6-4 victory over French 11th seed Marion Bartoli in a match halted on Tuesday by rain.

Sharapova will next face world number one and top seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, the reigning Australian Open champion, for a berth in Saturday's women's final.

BBC Sport's Nick Hope at the Olympic Stadium: Oscar Pistorius and Great Britain's Jonnie Peacock may not have stopped for the media, but T44 100m world champion Jerome Singleton did and the US single-leg amputee sprinter wasn't afraid to talk about the 'blade height' issue raised by Pistorius on Sunday.

Singleton said: "I think we need to come together and re-evaluate the formula, and have an idea of the exact height for an athlete to run in or maybe have a variation in height of 1cm, so you know you're racing the same athlete in all competitions.

"As time changes science changes too, so we just have to make sure that it is fair to all competitors. Right now it's like [comparing]apples to oranges not apples to apples."

The BBC is to broadcast the NFL's Monday Night Football for the 2012 season. Coverage starts on 10 September, with Cincinnati Bengals playing Baltimore Ravens and San Diego Chargers facing Oakland Raiders.

The games will be live on the BBC Red Button and BBC Sport website, while Radio 5 live sports extra will also have at least one commentary per week.

Speaking to UK Athletics press team, Jonnie Peacock, who was the quickest qualifier for tomorrow night's T44 100m final says: "I expected a few of the guys to push me more to be honest; I didn't think I'd win by so much, so I'm happy.

"It was nuts out there when they called my name and my mates and family were by the start line and it relaxed me. I haven't been nervous at all."

BBC Sport's Saj Chowdhury at the Aquatics Centre: "Agonisingly close for Charlotte Henshaw. Viktoria Savtsova pips the Briton by three-hundreths of seconds to take gold in the SB6 100m breaststroke final. Mansfield's Henshaw, 25, wins her first-ever Paralympic medal - silver. Team-mate Elizabeth Johnson holds on for bronze."

Pakistan beat Australia by seven wickets on the back of a superb performance by their spinners in the first Twenty20 international at Dubai Stadium.

Saeed Ajmal, Hasan Raza and captain Mohammad Hafeez took two wickets apiece while paceman Sohail Tanveer took three as Australia were routed for their second lowest total of 89 in all Twenty20 internationals. Pakistan completed the win in 14.5 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Great Britain's Charlotte Henshaw and Liz Johnson win silver and bronze respectively in the 100m SB6 breaststroke.

Debbie Jevans, currently Director of Sport at The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), will become the new chief executive of England Rugby 2015 in October. Paul Vaughan stepped down by mutual consent earlier today.

BBC Sport's Nick Hope at the Olympic Stadium: "WHAT A FINISH! Great Britain's David Devine was about 10m back as he entered the home-straight in the T12 800m and looked well out of the medals, but he powered back and crossed in one minute 58.72 seconds -just six one-hundredths of a second ahead of Cuba's Lazaro Rashid. It took a while for the official results to appear on the screen, but the crowd celebrated Devine's bronze as if it was gold."

Sara Errani sweeps past compatriot doubles partner and best friend Roberta Vinci to become the first Italian woman in the Open era to make the US Open semi-finals.

Errani, the 10th seed who was the French Open runner-up to Maria Sharapova this year, defeats the 20th-seeded Vinci 6-2 6-4 and goes on to face either three-time champion Serena Williams or Ana Ivanovic for a place in the final.

BBC Sport's Nick Hope at the Olympic Stadium: "Perhaps with the Oscar Pistorius 'blade' controversy in-mind, UK Athletics are being very protective of Jonnie Peacock and he doesn't stop for the media following his T44 100m heat. The world-record-holder underlines his status as the pre-race favourite though, crossing in 11.08 seconds, 11 one-hundredths quicker than defending champion Oscar Pistorius."

"The attraction Mercedes might have to Lewis Hamilton is less clear, given their current struggles, but perhaps the continuing frustrations of his time at McLaren have convinced him it is time for a change."

Read the latest blog from BBC Sport's chief F1 writer Andrew Benson on the BBC Sport website.

Great Britain hold on in a tense finish to see off Turkey 75-70 and go through to the final four of the Paralympic wheelchair basketball tournament. An 11-point lead disappeared in the final five minutes as Turkey closed to within 71-70 with 20 seconds left. But Terry Bywater then went to the foul line twice and hit all four of his free throws to send Britain through.

Bywater finished with 23 points and 13 rebounds to lead Britain to victory, while Ozgur Garbalak - who inspired the late charge and finished with 28 points - was unlucky to finish up on the losing side.

Despite a battling unbeaten 85 from Chris Read, Nottinghamshire lost their way against Surrey on the second day, having at one stage been reduced to 60-5. Read, with youngster Sam Wood, put on 92 for the sixth wicket, but the lower order again fell away cheaply and a deficit of 42, on a wearing wicket, may prove significant.

Notts have remained unbeaten on their travels this season and need to out-perform the home side over the next two days to maintain that proud record and keep themselves in the hunt for the runners-up spot.

BBC Sport's Saj Chowdhury at the Aquatics Centre: "Great Britain's Hannah Russell wins her third medal of the Paralympics - bronze in the S12 100m backstroke. The 16-year-old had posted the fastest time in the heats, but found the pace too hot in the final, fading in the final 50m having held the lead at the turn. I spoke to her a few weeks back and she told me she had planned for Rio, not London. Russia's Oxana Savchenko won gold with a new world record."

Norwich striker Harry Kane is called up to the England under-21 squad for the match against Norway. The on-loan Tottenham player has represented his country at under-17 and under-19 level and will join up with the rest of the squad at Chesterfield on Monday.

Essex's former England batsman Owais Shah hit an unbeaten century to delay Hampshire's promotion charge on the second day of a LV County Championship match at the Ageas Bowl.

Shah was 124 not out at the close as Essex reached 217 for two, a lead of 168 on a green pitch which eased after 14 wickets had been lost on a torrid first day.

Oscar Pistorius wins the second T44 100m heat in 11.19 seconds, ahead of Blake Leeper. Pistorious's time is not as quick as Jonnie Peacock's, however.

Paul Vaughan steps down from his post as chief executive of England Rugby 2015 by mutual consent. Vaughan had been in charge of ER 2015 - the company set up to deliver the 2015 Rugby World Cup - since January 2011.

A short statement announced Vaughan's departure and said a new chief executive would be appointed shortly.

Jonnie Peacock powers to the finish in 11.08 seconds in Heat 1 of the T44 100m heats, finishing comfortably ahead of Jerome Singleton with Alan Oliveira third.

Reading midfielder Jimmy Kebe says he hopes to be back in training in 10 days. The 28-year-old Mali international played a pivotal role in Brian McDermott's Championship winning side last year, but is yet to feature for the Royals this season due to an ongoing hamstring issue.

Kebe wrote on Twitter "Doctor seen this morning for an injection on my hamstring...it's getting better though, should be back for training in 10 days hopefully."

BBC Sport's Saj Chowdhury at the Aquatics Centre: "Ex-Prime Minister John Major gets a huge cheer at the Aquatics Centre as he's introduced as one of the medal presenters. You see, the public in Britain do like some politicians."

Yorkshire paceman Steven Patterson grabs two late wickets in two balls to leave Glamorgan under the cosh at the close of the second day of the LV County Championship match at Headingley.

Starting their second innings 72 runs in arrears, Glamorgan had reached 17 when Patterson dismissed opener Nick James and nightwatchman John Glover, the visitors finishing on 27 for two and still trailing by 45.

BBC Sport's Nick Hope at the Olympic Stadium: "A very long session tonight and there's set to be drama from the very start start [19:00 BST] with the men's T44 heats, which sees the return of Oscar Pistorius for the first time since the outburst which followed his defeat to Alan Fonteles Oliveira in the 200m event.

"The world record holder over 100m is GB's 19-year-old Jonnie Peacock, who's looking to put down a marker against his high-profile rivals which includes world champion Jerome Singleton of the US in the first heat.

"Pistorius is then expected to return for the final of the 4x100m relay just after 22:00 BST."

Lewis Hamilton's management team are deny suggestions the 27-year-old is poised to sign a deal with Mercedes. According to BBC F1 chief analyst Eddie Jordan, Hamilton is on the verge of leaving McLaren to drive for Mercedes next season.

However, a McLaren spokesman says: "We have been told by Lewis Hamilton's management team that the story is untrue. Negotiations between Lewis Hamilton and McLaren continue."

Mercedes, meanwhile, are playing their cards a little closer to their chest, as a spokesperson says: "Until we are in a position to confirm our full driver line-up for next season, it is inevitable there will be speculation around this topic. We would ask for your understanding, however, that we do not comment on speculation."

Maria Sharapova is trying to build momentum after a rain delay for the second straight match at this year's US Open. The third-seeded Russian resumes her quarter-final against Marion Bartoli, a day after it was suspended during the first set. They started nearly two hours late today when more rain delayed play. The 11th-seeded Bartoli is leading 4-0.

Next on the Arthur Ashe Stadium schedule is the resumption of another rain-interrupted match: one that determines whether Andy Roddick's career will continue. He was in a first-set tiebreaker with Juan Martin del Potro when play was halted on Tuesday night. More rain is in the forecast, though.

Lancashire were responding well to Middlesex's score of 446, but will still have their work cut out to force the victory they probably require at Lord's.

The reigning champions began the match 17 points adrift of seventh-placed Surrey and though Neil Dexter added just two to his overnight 123 and Lancashire collected their full three bowling points, Steven Crook hit 66 and Ravi Patel 20 to lift the hosts to 446.

The Red Rose reply reached 236 for three, with half-centuries for Tom Smith, Paul Horton and Ashwell Prince, with the South African set to resume on 57.

South Africa, needing 183 to beat England and square the one-day international series at Trent Bridge, lose two early wickets. Graeme Smith is caught out by James Tredwell, before Francois Du Plessis edges a Jimmy Anderson delivery to Craig Kieswetter. Follow live text commentary on the BBC Sport website.

Scuderia Toro Rosso announces that Giorgio Ascanelli has resigned from his post as Technical Director.

"Over a period of almost five years, Giorgio has contributed positively to the development of our team" team boss Franz Tost says. "Especially in the difficult transition period from a simple racing team to a fully-fledged constructor he made an important contribution and his undoubted experience was very valuable to us."

BBC Radio Kent's Matt Cole, reporting from Canterbury for Kent v Derbyshire: "This game is twisting and turning like an angry cobra. Kent have their noses ahead after some characteristically accurate bowling from Mark Davies with 5-27, but three late wickets from Derbyshire's spinners mean they're still in with a realistic chance of a win going into day three."

Surrey have an advantage heading into the third day thanks to Tim Linley's 5-62, but it could have been a bigger cushion were it not for Chris Read. The Nottinghamshire captain finished undefeated on 85 as the visitors were all out in the last over of the day for 227 in response to Surrey's first inngs total of 269.

Rafa Nadal could be back on a tennis court in about a month after intense physiotherapy and laser treatment on his troublesome knee, Spanish tennis federation (RFET) doctor Angel Ruiz-Cotorro says.

The world number three has not played since losing to Czech Lukas Rosol in the second round at Wimbledon in June and has been suffering from a partial tear of the patella tendon and an inflammation of the Hoffa's fat pad in his left knee.

"In a month's time, if the tests and his progress are positive, he can get back to work on the court," says Ruiz-Cotorro.

BBC Sport's Mike Henson at Brands Hatch: "Great Britain's Rachel Morris faced a battle to even make the H3 time trial startline after she dislocated a shoulder in a collision with a car while out training less than two months ago. That setback in her training - she described herself as "totally screwed" at the time of the accident - may have cost her dear on the Brands Hatch track. She finished fifth, more than three minutes behind her successor as Paralympic champion, Sandra Graf."

BBC Sussex's Kevin Smith at Hove: "Sussex ended day two in complete command - a situation that looked very unlikely after Somerset reached 68-1 after an hour of play. However, a dramatic collapse, even more so than the one the hosts had suffered yesterday, has left Sussex in pole position to force a victory. Murray Goodwin kept the romantics at Hove happy with a solid half-century and the Sussex faithful will pray that he can bow out of the game with a timely 100 tomorrow.

"A win would leave Sussex as favourites to secure second place, especially if neighbours Surrey can prevent opponents Notts from winning their match at The Oval."

Warwickshire have two days in which to wrap up the Division One title in the LV County Championship after piling up a first innings lead of 411 against Worcestershire at New Road.

Varun Chopra completed 1,000 runs for the season as he batted through to the 115th over to make 195 and set up the platform for a victory that would make them champions for the first time since 2004.

Marouane Chamakh's return to the Morocco line-up is prematurely halted of because of ill health, Morocco's football federation says.

The Arsenal striker had been called up to play for the north Africans in the first leg of their final-round African Nations Cup qualifier in Mozambique on Sunday. It was his first call-up since he was dropped during the Nations Cup finals in Gabon at the start of the year.

BBC Sport's Saj Chowdhury at the Aquatics Centre: "What a sensational swim from Oliver Hynd who wins gold in the SM8 200m individual medley. The 17-year-old from Nottinghamshire, who has muscular dystrophy, was in third before eating up water between himself and the leaders on the second leg. He then moved away thanks to a powerful breaststroke and maintained the lead on the freestyle. His brother Sam Hynd finishes fourth."

BBC Sussex's Kevin Smith, reporting from Hove for Sussex against Somerset: "100 for Chris Nash that includes 16 fours who, along with Murray Goodwin may well have just taken the game away from the visitors. The third wicket partnership is already worth in-excess of 130 and with only four overs of the day remaining, Sussex are ideally placed to try to force victory."

BBC Sport's Elizabeth Hudson: "It is silver for 'The Quadfather' Peter Norfolk and his partner Andy Lapthorne after they lose 6-2 5-7 6-2 to Americans David Wagner and Nick Taylor in the quad doubles final. The GB pair did well to come from 3-1 down in the second set to force a decider but their rivals proved too strong."

BBC Sport's Saj Chowdhury at the Aquatics Centre: "Great Britain can add a few more medals to their Paralympics swimming tally tonight. First up the 'Brothers Hynd' go in the SM8 200m individual medley. Just below me, it seems like their team-mates are having a rabble-rousing team meeting. It was one of those where you hear "give me an 'A'" then the team shout "A". I couldn't make out what had been spelt. Sorry."

Three quick wickets sees England all out for 182 in the final one-day international against South Africa at Trent Bridge. It is the first time they have been bowled out batting first in an ODI since 2009. See how England's innings unfolded via our live text commentary.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez wins the toss and elects to bowl against Australia in the first of three Twenty20s.

Australia comes in with the momentum after beating Pakistan 2-1 in their one-day international series. Australia clinched the series with a three-wicket victory on Tuesday.

Kieran Richardson has vowed to get up to speed at Fulham during the international break after admitting he flopped on his debut in a 3-0 defeat at West Ham.

He told the club's website: "I was upset with the way the game went. I didn't feel sharp at all, I felt sluggish. I hadn't really trained with the team so I didn't know the way they played that well but I've got a break now before the next game and I'll get my fitness up and understand more on how the team play."

BBC Sport's Elizabeth Hudson at Eton Manor: "The Peter 'The Quadfather' Norfolk and Andy Lapthorne are fighting back against American pair Nick Taylor and David Wagner, taking the second set 7-5 to force a decider in the quad doubles final. Tons of tension at Eton Manor and the music has gone up a notch too! Def Leppard's Pour Some Sugar On Me, if you are interested."

The start of play has been delayed as bad weather causes another headache for US Open organisers.

BBC Sussex's Kevin Smith at Hove: "Sussex proceeding serenely now with Nash and Goodwin nearing a century stand.

"Looking ahead, it would appear that should Notts fail to reach 200 AND lose to Surrey AND if Sussex go on and win this match, then Sussex would only require 2 points in their final game at Durham to secure the runers-up spot."

Bayern Munich's Germany international striker Mario Gomez is pain free and has begun working on mobility in his left ankle four weeks after surgery.

The 27-year-old, who finished as the Bundesliga's second top scorer behind Schalke's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar last season, had cartilage removed from his ankle on August 7 and is still expected to be out for several weeks yet.

A devastating surprise attack by Spain's Alberto Contador netted the stage 17 win and overall lead in the Tour of Spain on Wednesday.

Contador attacked with a group of 19 riders about 60 km from the finish at Fuente De, then broke away alone with 13 km to go to claim the stage.

Robert Croft will end an uninterrupted 23-year playing career with Glamorgan next week when he makes his final appearance for the Welsh county.

The 42-year-old had hoped to continue for another season, but Glamorgan are expected to announce Croft will take up a coaching and marketing role.

Bradford head coach Mick Potter has re-iterated his desire to stay on at the Bulls and will continue working without pay while he awaits a decision on his future.

"I've spoken to the club just about the team and the bigger picture but I haven't spoken to them about what I'm doing personally," Potter said.

"I think that's going to happen this week. I think there's a meeting being arranged. It's possibly looking okay but I don't know what they want me to do so I'll just keep looking."

BBC Sport's Mike Henson at Brands Hatch: "Joy for former Formula 1 driver Alex Zanardi as he finally wins at Brands Hatch, more than 20 years after first racing round the circuit in Formula 3000. The 45-year-old beats second-placed Germany's Nobert Mosandl by 27 seconds to take gold in the H4 time trial. The Italian media break both word-per-minute records and health and safety decibel guidelines as they relay the news back to Zanardi's compatriots from trackside."

After completing the signing of Angelo Henriquez, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told the c "Angelo has made a tremendous impact on the game in his short career so far.

"His pace is a great asset and he reads the game really well for someone of such a young age. We have a proud record of developing young talent and Angelo fits the profile of a United player - skilful, attacking and someone who plays the game with real flair."

BBC Sport's Elizabeth Hudson at Eton Manor: "A nervous first set by Peter Norfolk and Andy Lapthorne against American pair David Wagner and Nick Taylor in the quad doubles final which they lose 6-2 after being broken twice. They need to improve in the second set or their dream of gold will be gone."

Michael Owen on Twitter: "It's official! Deal done. I'm a Stoke player. Can't wait to get going."

And in response to Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker offering his congratulations, Owen added: "Cheers Gary. I had to cancel an appearance on Question of Sport at late notice yesterday. Apologies to the BBC!"

BBC Sport's Mike Henson at Brands Hatch: "Intrigue and confusion at Brands Hatch as Great Britain's Lora Turnham limps home last in the individual B time trial having had a seven-second lead over eventual winner Phillipa Gray after two of the three laps.

"A mechanical failing looks likeliest to have put a spanner in the works for Turnham, who crossed the line in apparently healthy condition along with pilot Fiona Duncan."

Manchester United have completed the signing of Angelo Henriquez and the Chile Under-23 striker, 18, has now joined from Universidad de Chile for an undisclosed fee.

BBC Sport's Clive Eakin at New Road: "After securing the all important fourth batting point Warwickshire have sought to move the game on knowing victory will secure their first championship since 2004.

"Varun Chopra played very calmly before falling 5 runs short of what would have been his second double century in as many years at New Road. The entertainment at the end of the innings came from Ian Blackwell's breezy 84 and Keith Barker's swashbuckling 40."

BBC Sussex's Kevin Smith at Hove: "Sussex are well placed to compile a decent lead, here at tea, however, they will be mindful that both innings have incurred dramatic collapses. Ed Joyce looked unfortunate be given out caught behind for seven but after Wells went for 20, Nash and Murray Goodwin, in his farewell innings for the club have added 43 so far for the third wicket and to date, Abdur Rehman, has not looked unplayable.

"There has been a hint of some Somerset heads dropping towards the end of the session and if they fail to make inroads in the final period, they could be faced with a very difficult chase later in the match."

BBC Essex's Nick Gledhill at the Ageas Bowl: "Hampshire look a long way from the side who have performed so brilliantly in one day cricket. Having started the day just 15 behind with six wickets in hand they were unsettled by three quick wickets from Reece Topley and restricted to a lead of just 49. That has proved insignificant on a now benign batting surface. Owais Shah has a six and twelve fours in an unbeaten 71 and Essex at 128 for 1 are heading for an imposing second innings total."

BBC Sport's Saj Chowdhury at the Basketball Arena: "Great Britain lose their opening wheelchair rugby pool match 56-44 to USA. GB outscored the world number one team 13-11 in the first quarter, but were then outwitted by USA's passing and movement, who woke up after the early setback. There's a long way to go in the competition though."

From BBC monitoring: "Mario Balotelli's laser eye surgery went well, and he should be ready to play in 10 days, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Balotelli's surgeon says the Manchester City striker was already asking this morning if he could drive his car."

BBC Sport's David Bracegirdle at the Oval: "Sam Wood, 19, has given Nottinghamshire supporters some cause for optimism with a debut innings of great maturity.

"The left-hander arrived at the crease to face the express pace of Stuart Meaker at one end and the wiles of Murali Kartik at the other.

"Neither threat fazed him and at tea he was unbeaten on 41, having shared in a stand currently with 84 with his skipper, Chris Read."

BBC Sport's Elizabeth Hudson at Eton Manor: "The Quadfather Peter Norfolk and Andy Lapthorne have just started their quad doubles final against two-time champions David Wagner and Nick Taylor of the United States. Taylor is the only top-level player who uses a motorised wheelchair to get him around the court."

Steve Morison believes Wales are ready to start their World Cup qualifying campaign with a bang against Belgium, after receiving a "kick up the backside" from manager Chris Coleman.

Morison said: "We have beaten some good teams over the last year and we know we can do well if we focus on ourselves. Our form has dipped over the last few games but we are trying to put it together on Friday night."

Martin Kaymer is hoping to return to form in the KLM Open at Hilversum, which he won two years ago, as he prepares for the Ryder Cup later this month.

"Two years ago it was a period of time when I played incredibly well," he told europeantour.com. "I played four events and I won them all in a row, with the third being the Ryder Cup.

"I have changed a few things in my swing and so you adapt a little and play a little more controlled, and not as free. So you lose a bit of distance as well. I would never say that was a wrong decision though, because I grew as a player."

BBC Radio Kent's Matt Cole: "That was just Kent's session as they exploited a helpful pitch, Mark Davies getting his just desserts for his accuracy with 5 wickets. Tom Poynton's leading a late-innings fightback after being dropped in the slips on 6."

The Premier League has ratified Michael Owen's move to Stoke. The former England striker, 32, has joined on a one-year deal.

BBC Sport's Mike Henson at Brands Hatch: "Alex Zanardi knows his way around the Brands Hatch curves. The 45-year-old was on the podium here more than 20 years ago when he finished second in a Formula 3000 race aged 24.

"Since then he has raced in Formula 1 for the likes of Williams and Jordan, lost both his legs in a horrific Champ Car crash in 2001 and rebuilt a sporting career as one of the world's best handcyclist. Having won world time trial silver in 2011, the Italian is hoping to go one better from 1515 BST to crown one of the stories of these Games."

BBC Sport's Saj Chowdhury at the Basketball Arena: "At the end of the third quarter, USA lead Great Britain 41-32. The highlight of the quarter was when GB's Aaron Phipps was sent to 'the box' to serve a one-minute penalty after he launched himself into Will Groulx who tried to cross the line. The American ended up on the floor."

The Premier League will release a statement very shortly confirming the have approved Stoke's registration of Michael Owen.

Robert Snodgrass watched Scotland's last appearance at the World Cup finals at the cinema - and is now desperate for the Scots to showcase their talents on the big stage again.

"I was in primary five or six and I remember watching it in the cinema with John Collins scoring a penalty against Brazil," Snodgrass said.

"It would be good to get there (Brazil). You can't change the past, you can only affect what happens in the future and the only way to do that is by putting things right on Saturday (against Serbia) and Tuesday (against Macedonia)."

England are 65-2 in the fifth ODI against South Africa. You can follow all of the action on our live text commentary.

Alessandro Del Piero has been discussing his move to Sydney FC. He told club's website: "I am extremely happy to be joining Sydney FC. This is a very big moment for me because I want to continue my career in a new part of the world where I can make a major contribution and help grow the game I love.

"The most important thing for me has always been the football and I want to help Sydney FC be successful."

Wheelchair fencer Justine Moore said she loved every moment of her Paralympic Games debut, despite failing to progress from the preliminary round of the Individual Epee this morning.

She said: "The crowd were amazing and I just couldn't stop smiling. It's been such a great experience and I've loved every minute of it."

BBC Sussex's Kevin Smith at Hove: "The championship title may be out of their grasp but the Hove faithful are standing to Murray Goodwin, who makes his way to the middle in glorious sunshine for the final time in what has been a colourful career for the south coast county.

"After what has been a miserable season in terms of runs, the stage is set for Goodwin to bring down the curtain of a great career in style."

BBC Sport's Mike Henson at Brands Hatch: "The afternoon session gets under way at Brands Hatch with the individual Pursuit for blind and partially sighted riders. Great Britain's Lora Turnham, piloted by Fiona Duncan, is hunting her first medal of London 2012 after finishing fourth in her two races on the track. The pair start the 24.8km course at 1502 BST."

BBC Sport's Elizabeth Hudson at Eton Manor: "After Gordon Reid loses out in the men's singles quarter-finals, next up is the quad doubles final with Britain's Peter Norfolk and Andy Lapthorne facing American pair David Wagner and Nick Taylor."

BBC Sport's Saj Chowdhury at the Basketball Arena: "It's half-time at the Paralympics wheelchair rugby match featuring GB v USA. USA are leading 28-23. They are currently ranked the number one team in the world rankings and their class came to the fore by the time of the second quarter."

Gordon Farquhar at Eton Manor: "Gordon Reid has missed out on the final of the men's singles after being beaten in straight sets 6-3 6-3 by Maikel Sheffers of Netherlands."

BBC Sport's Saj Chowdhury at the Basketball Arena: "The beauty of wheelchair rugby is now shining through at the Basketball Arena. World number one team USA have fought back and have 27-22 lead over Great Britain. Play of the day (that sounds weird coming from a Brit) so far sees USA's Chance Sumner take out Aaron Phipps as he was attempting a pass. Brutal."

Jonathan Trott has been ruled out of the rest of the domestic season with an undisplaced fracture in his right hand, the England and Wales Cricket Board have confirmed.

BBC Sport's Saj Chowdhury at the Basketball Arena: "We're coming up to the end of the first quarter of the opening Paralympics wheelchair rugby match. I's GB 12-11 USA. It was all rather friendly until Britain's Steve Brown and USA's Derrick Helton collided resulting in Brown on the floor. Unlike in wheelchair basketball, you need two support staff to come and pick the player and his chair off the ground. Brown was fine."

Leighton Baines, who hopes to fill in for the injured Ashley Cole against Moldova, can not wait to make his first competitive appearance in an England shirt.

He told BBC Radio 5 live: "I've been around the squad for two or three years so I've been waiting patiently and picking up appearances in friendlies so it is nice to hopefully have the opportunity to hopefully get out there and play.

"But at the same time it's disappointing for us to miss Ashley because he's such an important player."

Derby County club captain Shaun Barker says he feels "privileged" to have signed an extended contract and says it shows the honesty of the club and manager to stick by a player with a major injury.

The defender dislocated his right kneecap and also suffered ligament damage against Nottingham Forest in March and could be sidlined until 2013.

Jenson Button is ready to withstand the boos from the Ferrari fans if it means him standing on top of the podium in Monza on Sunday.

He said: "Winning in Monza must be a great feeling, but I would say it's not one that I enjoy standing on the podium at. The tifosi are there to support Ferrari. They're not there to support us."

Britain's sailors are guaranteed at least a silver and a bronze medal as they head in to the final day of the London 2012 Paralympic Sailing Regatta tomorrow.

Helena Lucas - the only woman in the class - is guaranteed at least a silver medal in the 2.4mR one-person keelboat class. But she currently sits in gold medal position with a nine-point advantage over German Heiko Kroger with one race to come tomorrow.

Alexandra Rickham and Niki Birrell are also guaranteed at least a bronze medal in the SKUD two-person class.

BBC Sport's Elizabeth Hudson at Eton Manor: "Dutch third seed Maikel Scheffers wins the first set 6-3 against Britain's Gordon Reid. The ninth seed from Scotland has shown some nice touches but a few errors have cost him. Earlier, the queen of Paralympic tennis Esther Vergeer reached the women's singles final after beating compatriot Jiske Griffioen 6-0 6-3 to make it 469 singles matches unbeaten."

Remember you can follow all of the action from the fifth ODI between England and South Africa on our live text commentary.

Leighton Baines believes Roy Hodgson's relaxed managerial approach will bring the best out of England.

He told BBC Radio 5 live: "He's definitely relaxed us all and there's been a shift in people's mentality.

"It was maybe a bit stiffer before that, for whatever reason. Roy's definitely come in and had a positive influence in that manner."

Gary Cahill believes fellow Chelsea man Ryan Bertrand, who has just signed a new five-year contract at Stamford Bridge, will have a significant impact for club and country this season.

He told BBC Radio 5 live: "People are just starting to sit up and realise how good a player he is. From a couple of spells he had at the end of last year, to be thrown into the Champions League final to start and he's played this year, people are realising how good he is.

"He's got a great reputation, especially at our club, and he's going to have a massive future."

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has been telling BBC Radio 5 live about the frustration he felt after missing Euro 2012 with a double jaw fracture.

He said: "I was looking forward to that so much and hopefully being a big part of what we were trying to do and to get the blow just before we flew off was devastating.

"Me not making the Euros has made this harder. I thought the lads did really well at the Euros so for me not being able to stamp my authority in that tournament has come back and made it another fight for me to try to get back involved and get the starting place."

Marseille forward Andre Ayew is looking forward to seeing Joey Barton in action after being charmed by the on-loan midfielder.

"He is truly a nice person," Ayew told Marseille's club website. "It's maybe the case that, on the pitch, he is different, with another kind of desire, another kind of commitment, another kind of aggression. But away from it he's truly a good person."

Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton warns England fans to prepare for another decade of major tournament heartache. Three Lions legend Shilton, the country's most capped player, fears it could be at least 10 years before they have a squad strong enough to compete with the world's best. "We really do need to improve in the next 10 years and I am afraid it could take 10 years to get it right," said Shilton. "I hope it can be achieved in half that time, but we have got to look at how we are developing the skills and techniques of the right nine, 10-year-olds, who might one day make it all the way into the national team. It's not going to happen overnight."

BBC Sport's Saj Chowdhury at the Basketball Arena: "There is one female player in both teams - Great Britain and Kent Crusaders player, Kylie Grimes. The 24-year-old from Surrey took up the sport only two years ago. While I type this they are playing YMCA in the arena - perhaps Slipknot is more suited to this sport."

BBC Sussex's Kevin Smith at Hove: "Somerst are dismissed for 134, representing a remarkable collapse from 68-1 with the last nine wickes falling for just 65 runs. Thee wickets apiece for Magoffin, Hatchett and Panesar, who will surely have a major part to play in the final innings. With the inevitable news that Warwickshire have all but sealed the title at New Road, Sussex still have the incentive of attempting to secure the runners-up spot ahead of Notts, who are struggling in their game at The Oval."

BBC Sport's Elizabeth Hudson at Eton Manor: "Bright sunshine at Eton Manor as Britain's Gordon Reid takes on Dutch third seed Maikel Scheffers in the men's singles quarter-finals. On one of the outside courts Peter 'The Quadfather' Norfolk and Andy Lapthorne are warming up for their quad doubles final which will be the next match on Centre Court after Reid v Scheffers. Scheffers currently leads 3-2 in the opening set."

Sarah Storey has won her third gold medal of the Games and 10th overall with victory in the time trial, inspired by her Team GB colleagues at the Olympics. "Having watched the success of the Olympic team on the road, Bradley [Wiggins] winning the time trial and Chris Froome getting the bronze medal, I just wanted to make sure I added my name to that list of success. With the track I've done so much [but] I love riding on the road and when the time trial's done, well there's no greater feeling."

Our live text commentary for today's third one day international between England and South Africa is now up and running. Join Stephan Shemilt over on our cricket pages to keep in touch with all the action. England have won the toss and will bat first looking to add to their 2-1 series lead.

Swansea defender Jazz Richards is the latest player to be called into the Wales squad for their opening World Cup qualifiers, his club have The Wales Under-21 skipper, who made his senior international debut against Mexico in May, joins club-mate Ben Davies in being added to Chris Coleman's injury-hit squad for the meetings against Belgium and Serbia.

BBC Sport's Saj Chowdhury at the Basketball Arena: "The Basketball Arena is already the loudest venue I've been in and it's not even half full. There were huge queues outside for the opening wheelchair rugby match - Great Britain v USA. For those not familiar with the sport let me try to explain the basics. You've probably already worked out, but the sport is played on a hardwood court - same size as a basketball court. There are two teams of 12 (mixed gender sport), but only four from each side allowed on court at one time. There is a goalline at each end and players score when they cross it. There is an area called the key at each end - which is a bit like the six-yard area in football. You can have three players inside defending the goal. An offensive player cannot be in the opposition key for more than 10 seconds. There will be lots of physical contact but nothing that's deemed dangerous - interesting to see what is deemed dangerous. The ball used is the same size and shape as a volleyball. Right then. Four eight-minute quarters begin at 14:00 BST. Ready?"

BBC monitoring reports: "There's anger in Pakistan over the omission of spin bowler Saeed Ajmal from the shortlist for the ICC's Test Cricketer of the Year award. The Pakistan Daily Times says that the Pakistan Cricket Board has lodged an official complaint after Ajmal took 72 wickets in Tests, but was left off the four-man list. However, India's The Hindu newspaper says the ICC has refused to alter its stance."

Former Juventus forward Alessandro Del Piero announces he is joining Sydney FC in a deal that will make him the highest-profile player in the A-League. The two-year deal is reportedly worth $2m per season, which would make Del Piero the highest paid athlete in Australia's four football codes, including rugby league, rugby union and Australian Rules. The 37-year-old Del Piero reportedly turned down offers from English Premier League clubs Liverpool and Southampton.

BBC Sport's Mike Henson at Brands Hatch: "The Union Jacks are bobbing all along the home straight at Brands Hatch to welcome home Sarah Storey from another demolition job on the rest of her Paralympic opposition. The 34-year-old finished one minute 34 seconds clear of nearest challenger Poland's Anna Harkowska in the C5 time trial and now has three gold medal from her three events at London 2012 so far. Thursday's road race is her fourth and final race of the Games and a chance to win the 11th gold of a Paralympic career that began as a 14-year-old swimmer back in Barcelona in 1992."

Striker Mario Balotelli could miss Manchester City's next match against Stoke after undergoing laser-eye surgery in Italy today. The 22-year-old underwent the minor operation, a day earlier than expected so as to avoid the paparazzi, after recently suffering from conjunctivitis associated with wearing contact lenses.

BBC Sussex's Kevin Smith at Hove: "Despite events at New Road, Sussex have kept their focus and after a quiet 45 minutes, dramatically seized the initiative by taking seven for 64. Trescothick fell or 31 and from 68-1, the visitors went into lunch at 124-8. Steve Magoffin took three of the wickets but Panesar has looked increasingly dangerous and he has figures of 3-11 off 11 overs. The wicket does not represent the score, however, and should Sussex finish off the Somerset innings swiftly, they should be confident of building a lead in the third innings that with this relatively inexperienced Somerset batting line-up, could prove to be a winning one. After hitting the winning runs that first clinched Sussex's first championship title back in 2003, the scene is set for possibly Murray Goodwin's final apearance in a Sussex shirt later in the afternoon."

BBC Sport's Dave Bracegirdle at The Oval: "The spoils of the second morning certainly belonged to Surrey who secured their second batting point and frustrated the Notts bowlers for 10.2 overs before the final wicket was taken. Notts then lost four cheap wickets - two to the pacy Stuart Meaker and two also to Tim Linley, who captured Alex Hales thanks to a spectacular diving catch from Jason Roy. Some rebuilding work will be necessary from the visitors after the interval."

Here's an interesting tweet from Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda, who looks set for a long season at Stamford Bridge... @realflorentm: "This is where I'll train for my last season with the blues !!! pic.twitter.com/0rIWPge9"

BBC Radio Kent's Matt Cole at Canterbury: "Honours just about even at lunch. Kent's bowlers - particularly openers Davies and Shreck - bowled over after over of nagging length and line on a pitch that's hard for batsmen to settle on. Derbyshire's Madsen has been superb with a downright stubborn half century, he's the key to how this match will turn in the second session."

BBC Radio Solent's Kevan James at Southampton: "Hampshire started the day hoping to finish significantly more ahead than 49 runs on the 1st innings. They lost Vince (26) and Shafayat (42) whilst only adding 5 runs to their overnight total. They lost their last 6 wickets for 64 this morning and only Sean Ervine with 43 marshalling the tail end, looked at ease on a pitch still offering bounce. Ervine's 9th wicket partnership worth 43 with Tomlinson may yet prove invaluable."

BBC Radio Lancashire's Scott Read at Lords: "It's lunch and Lancashire are 18-0. Openers Tom Smith and Luke Proctor getting through a tricky spell leading upto lunch to give the Red Rose some hope leading into the afternoon session. Mission accomplished with the ball for Lancashire this morning, securing maximum bowling bonus points and at this stage of the season every point is vital. Lancashire need to bat well and bat big this afternoon."

BBC Coventry and Warwickshire's Clive Eakin at New Road: "Worcestershire's bowlers, and Alan Richardson in particular, have made Warwickshire work for it this morning but the Bears striding progress towards their seventh championship continues.

"Varun Chopra has passed a thousand first class runs for the season and is closing in on a double century in this fixture for the second year running. He 's survived one of three chances put down from Richardson's bowling but Jim Troughton for 54 and Richard Johnson for 1 have gone.

"30 runs needed in 8 overs after lunch to keep Ashley Giles' men on course to clinch the title in this game."

BBC Sport's Mike Henson at Brands Hatch: "Great Britain's Mark Colbourne wins his third medal of the Games with silver in the C1 time trial. The 42-year-old finished 12.94 seconds behind Germany's Michael Teuber, the same man who beat him in the 2011 world championships."

Warwickshire continue to press home their advantage on day two against Worcestershire as they look to win the County Championship title this week. They are 303-4 in response to the home side's first-innings 60, with Varun Chopra 173 not out.

So Steve Kean has brought three players into Blackburn who he hasn't ever seen play live. Why not send us your suggestions of players who have joined English clubs off the back of dodgy recommendations from "George Weah" or brilliantly-edited video montages? Tweet us using the hashtag #bbcsportsday.

BBC Sport's Mike Henson at Brands Hatch: "Great Britain's Shaun McKeown can not replicate the podium finish he managed in finishing third at the Road world championships in 2011 in Denmark, registering only the sixth fastest time in the C3 time trial.

"Welshman Mark Colbourne was second in the C1 event at the 2011 world championships. He added to his medal collection with Paralympic gold and silver on the track last week and will be the penultimate rider to start his time trial at 1156 BST. Germany's Michael Teuber, the man who beat him in the world championships, will follow a minute behind."

Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean has admitted he has not seen any of his three deadline day signings play live. Kean told BBC Radio Lancashire that Grzegorz Sandomierski, Nuno Henrique and Diogo Rosado were all recommended by global advisor Shebby Singh. "They're in the club now and we can have a real look at them," said Kean. "I've not seen them play live. Shebby Singh was very excited about them coming here and was telling me how good they were."

BBC Sussex's Kevin Smith at Hove: "A dramatic turnaround here with four quick wickets leaving Somerset on 106-5, including Trescothick for 31. Three wickets for Aussie Magoffin while Panesar has one and is looking threatening. Peter Trego launched an exciting counter-attack, hitting four boundaries in a Magoffin over but he's just been very well caught on the boundary for 22 and hopes of a first innings lead very realistic with what is a below strength Somerset side."

BBC Radio Lancashire's Scott Read at Lords: "Glen Chapple has claimed his first 5 wicket haul of the season and what a place to do it. Leading from the front again the Red Rose captain took 3 of the 4 wickets this morning, Middlesex out for 446. Tricky spell with the bat before lunch coming up for Lancashire."

You can follow the cricket via our scorecard pages and live radio commentaries.

QPR will attempt to loan out defender Luke Young, striker DJ Campbell and keeper Radek Cerny until at least the January transfer window, reports Press Association. The trio have all been omitted from Mark Hughes' squad for the first half of the Premier League season.

In joining Stoke, Michael Owen is looking to resurrect a career that - because of injury and form - has stalled over recent seasons. How about you get in touch with us to suggest players who have joined your club late in their career and enjoyed a swan song? Maybe you want to hail Paolo Di Canio's impact at West Ham, Gianfranco Zola's Chelsea stint or even Kevin Keegan's Newcastle playing days? There are plenty of others. You can tweet us using the hashtag #bbcsportsday.

BBC Sport's Mike Henson at Brands Hatch: "Great Britain's Jon-Allan Butterworth finishes 13th of 14 riders in the men's C5 time trial in a time of 36:56.39, 4:43.41 off Ukrainian winner Yegor Dementyev. The home crowd have already got a new man to carry their hopes though. Shaun McKeown is the world bronze medallist in the C3 class and has left the time trial starting ramp to a rumble of approval from his fellow Britons."

BBC Sport's Nick Hope at the Olympic Stadium: "16-year-old single-leg amputee Sophie Kamlish, who runs with one blade, has reached the T44 200m final behind a world record of 26.97secs from Dutch athlete Marlou van Rhijn.

"GB's Stef Reid, who won Paralympic bronze in the event for Canada four years ago, is also through after securing one of the two 'fastest loser' positions."

Jack Wilshere remains on course to return to the Arsenal first team return next month.

The 20-year-old is expected to step up his training in the next week, having been out for more than a year because of a stress fracture and a knee injury. The England midfielder has been working to a tailor-made fitness plan and is likely to start training with a ball in the next ten days.

Bacary Sagna, who suffered a broken fibula in his right leg against Norwich in May, is also progressing well and is expected to return to first-team action in October.

Ryan Bertrand has signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea. The defender/midfielder, who is currently with the England squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier in Moldova, played in last season's Champions League final victory and has started two of the Blues three games this season.

BBC Sussex's Kevin Smith at Hove: "TRESCOTHICK OUT...shuffling accross a straight deliver from Magoffin and given out lbw for 31 breaking a stand of 62 for the second wicket. Somerset now 71-2 with Hildreth the new batsman."

BBC Sport's Mike Henson at Brands Hatch: "After three silver medals in his three events on the track velodrome, Great Britain's Jon-Allan Butterworth looks like he will miss out on a trip to the podium in the men's C5 time trial. The 26-year-old Iraq veteran is more than three minutes off Chinese leader Liu Xinyang after two of the three 8km laps."

Leicester flanker Ben Woods retires after failing to fully recover from a broken wrist he suffered two years ago. Woods, 30, has played since suffering the injury against Saracens in 2010 but the pain got worse and he suffered complications in February. Woods made 70 appearances for Leicester after joining the Tigers from Newcastle in 2008, winning the Premiership title in 2009 and 2010.

From BBC Monitoring: Corriere dello Sport reports that Alessandro del Piero will be unveiled as a Sydney FC player at a press conference at 1330 today (1230 BST).

BBC Sport's Mike Henson at Brands Hatch: "Just after midday Sarah Storey will compete in the women's version of the same race knowing that a successful defence of her title, combined with victory in Thursday's road race, would move her level with Baroness Grey-Thompson on 11 Paralympic golds. Her husband Barney, who piloted Neil Fachie to gold in last week in the tandem time trial, has already been prowling about surveying the sunny scene."

BBC Sport's Mike Henson at Brands Hatch: "While the British focus was on the velodrome last week, there are considerably more cycling medals to be won once the action heads outside. There are 32 medals up for grabs at Brands Hatch, which is hosting the road races, compared to the 18 that were won on the 250m pine oval. Great Britain's Jon-Allan Butterworth picked up three silvers on the track and has already rolled off the starting ramp in the C5 Time Trial."

Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas is unhappy at being only a bit-part player for Barcelona this season, but is determined to make an impact at the Nou Camp. The former Gunners captain told Marca: "There's no such thing as a great substitute in the world of football - I couldn't tell you what makes a great substitute.

"I always wish my team-mates well and put a happy face on. If I have to take my unhappy face home then so be it, but I would never let my team-mates or manager see it. I've always said that I play for the best team in the world, but I came here to compete, to learn and enjoy, not to sit wracking my brains."

Britain will have two sprinters in the women's 200m T37 class final as Bethany Woodward and Jenny Mcloughlin finish second and third in their heat respectively. Katrina Hart is out with a fifth-place finish in her heat.

Sunderland winger James McClean has won his fitness battle and will fly to Kazakhstan with the Republic of Ireland today. McClean was a doubt for Friday's World Cup qualifier having been troubled by a cold since he met up with the Republic camp at the weekend, but it is understood that he has been deemed fit enough to travel.

World number seven Tomas Berdych will lead the Czech Davis Cup team in their semi-final clash against Argentina later this month. Team captain Jaroslav Navratil also selected Radek Stepanek, Lukas Rosol and Ivo Minar on Wednesday for the tie in Buenos Aires between 14-16 September.

Britain's David Weir told BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra after qualifying for the men's 800m T54 final: "I just wanted to qualify if that meant second or first I didn't mind, but I definitely didn't want to be the fastest loser.

"I'm not as tired as the other morning [after the 5000m victory] but I haven't eaten properly and I haven't replenished what I have lost so I need to get some rest, eat what I need and recover now."

Northern Ireland's Jonathan Rea, substituting for the injured Repsol Honda rider Casey Stoner, was just under three seconds off Dani Pedrosa on the first day of testing at the Aragon circuit in Spain. Pedrosa clocked one minute 47.983 seconds to lead the way.

BBC Sport's Nick Hope in the Olympic Stadium: "David Weir shows no ill-effects of a sleep-deprived night following his 1500m victory late yesterday evening as he qualifies with ease for the 800m final.

"The defending champion trailed world champion Marcel Hug after the first lap but held off his challenge and that of Australian rival Kurt Fearnley to cross clear of his opponents in one minutes 37.09.

"Weir, 33, is now on-course for his third title of the Games and will also have the Marathon to contest later in the week."

BBC Sport's Piers Newbery: "Cycling moves from the Velodrome to the road today as Brands Hatch makes its debut as a London 2012 venue. The likes of Jon-Allan Butterworth (10.30), Mark Colbourne (11:49) and Sarah Storey (12:02) will hope to replicate their track success, while Italy's former F1 driver Alex Zanardi makes his much-publicised Paralympics debut as a handcyclist (15:15). The 45-year-old lost both legs in an horrific crash in 2001 while racing in the United States."

Britain's double 2012 Paralympic champion David Weir wins his heat of the men's 800m - T54 in 1:37.09 ahead of Switerland's Marcel Hug, to qualify for the final.

Former jockey and founder of the Injured Jockeys' Fund John Oaksey has died this morning at the age of 83. He was also a former BBC horse racing journalist and commentator.

From BBC Monitoring: Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker is looking forward to playing for Germany in Friday's World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands in his home city of Hannover, German sports newspaper Kicker reports. Mertesacker dismissed criticism from keeper Oliver Kahn about Germany's performance in a 3-1 friendly defeat to Argentina. "This is nothing new", he said.

Robert Snodgrass is adamant Scotland are not just going along for the ride as he looks forward to the 2014 World Cup qualifying opener against Serbia at Hampden on Saturday.

"We are not here to make up the numbers. There is a firm belief about this squad that we can go and pick up maximum points and qualify," he said. "We have a job to do as footballers and we will approach each game thinking we can win it. It starts on Saturday and everybody is raring to go."

Britain's Robert Welbourn finished fifth in his 400m freestyle heat in the S10 class (4:17.13) to qualify for the final. Isaac Bouckley of Canada won the race.

Arsenal duo Abou Diaby and Laurent Koscielny are expected to start for France in their World Cup qualifier against Finland this Friday, France Football reports, according to BBC Monitoring. Newcatle's Yohan Cabaye is also expected to feature in a new-look midfield for Les Bleus, with recent Spurs signing Hugo Lloris also in the line-up.

Chief executive Steve Diamond is confident Sale Sharks will soon be able to function without the financial support of co-owners Brian Kennedy and Ian Blackhurst. Sale host Saracens on Saturday in their first competitive match at the Salford City Stadium since their relocation from Edgeley Park.

Diamond told BBC North West Tonight: "We envisage that within 18 months we'll be completely self-sufficient. There's no point coming to run the business commercially if you're going for a handout every six months. The two investors are not after making a profit. Everything that we make will be ploughed back into the side."

Britain's Emma Hollis, suffering from a broken ankle, finished last in the opening heat of the women's 200m individual medley SM8 class in 3:28.09, way down on her personal-best. Russia's Olesya Vladykina finished first.

BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra's Chris Mitchell: "It's been tough for her [Emma Hollis]. She got injuries at just the wrong time. Some lesser competitors would have pulled out."

Usain Bolt could achieve his dream and line up for Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he could play the six-time Olympic sprint gold medallist in the annual charity match against Real Madrid legends.

"Usain's a character and a big United fan,' Ferguson told Inside United. "But it's interesting he says he'd like to play in a charity game. It could be brilliant, and next year when we play Real Madrid's Legends again, there could be opportunities to bring him up and see how he does."

Alan Knill says Scunthorpe difficult start to the season was put into perspective after he almost suffered serious injury when his bike collided with a squirrel. The Iron have lost their last six matches and are bottom of League One.

"I got hit by a squirrel. I went over the top of my bike and landed on my head, shoulder and neck," Knill said. "I saw it run into the road but couldn't do anything about it and it just hit my wheel and stuck in my wheel and hit my brakes."

Paul di Resta will hope to avoid being a sitting duck again this weekend after finding himself in the firing line at Spa. Di Resta's Force India suffered a KERS failure 40 minutes prior to the start of the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday. The loss of such a device proved even more critical when the 26-year-old found himself elevated to fourth after a first corner smash that wiped out four leading cars.

With no way to defend himself Di Resta was picked off at will. He said: "The one track where you need KERS, and the one opportunity when you are lying fourth on the first lap of the race, and it didn't happen."

England remain in third in the latest Fifa rankings to be released. Spain remain in top spot with Portugal moving up to fourth the only changed in the top 10. Republic of Ireland remain in 26th, Wales are down eight to 45th, Scotland are down one spot to 47th and Northern Ireland are down 28 places to 129th.

Paul Scholes is confident Manchester United have the squad to compete for silverware this season. He told the club's official website: "We've got strength everywhere in the squad. We've struggled with injuries to defenders, but when we have everyone fit I think there are two teams that the manager has available to him and that could compete in the Premier League and cup competitions.

"It all looks very healthy and, as players, we know when we get given our chance we have to take it. If you don't, you'll be out of the team, simple as that."

Manchester United winger Ashley Young believes Robin van Persie can lead Sir Alex Ferguson's side to Premier League glory.

"He's a world-class striker who can not only score goals, but lay on assists," Young told the club's official magazine, Inside United.

"It's still only early days, but you can already see he's formed some good link-ups in training and on the pitch. He's a great addition to the squad and I'm sure he will have a big impact this season."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is hopeful Joe Cole will soon be ready to resume full training for the Reds. Cole has been struggling with a hamstring problem since Liverpool's opening day defeat at West Brom.

Rodgers told the club's official website: "Joe is working well and the medical department are pleased with his progress. He was out onto the pitch over the weekend doing some work, so there's still a little way to go with Joe yet but he's on the right track."

West Ham striker Andy Carroll has been ruled out for between five and six weeks with a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old withdrew from England's World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine after limping off 68 minutes into his debut against Fulham.

Cristiano Ronaldo has rejected accusations he said he is "sad" at Real Madrid to get more money from the club. The former Manchester United player refused to celebrate either of his goals in Sunday's 3-0 win against Granada and revealed his disquiet to reporters after the match.

Injured Derby County captain Shaun Barker has signed a 12-month extension to his current contract, which will now see him stay at Pride Park until 2015. The 29-year-old centre-back was ruled out for around 16 months with a knee injury sustained in March.

Bradford half-back Ben Jeffries is to retire from full-time rugby league and return to Australia to become a coal miner. Jeffries, who turned 32 yesterday, has spent the last 10 years in Super League in two spells with both the Bulls and Wakefield.

His 86th appearance for Bradford against Catalan Dragons in Perpignan on Saturday will be his last as a professional unless the Bulls make the play-offs.

Oscar Pistorius returns to the track for the first time since his 200m defeat with the 100m heats (19:01 BST).

A new venue makes its debut today as the road cyclists take to Brands Hatch, with Italian ex-F1 driver Alex Zanardi in the handcycling time trial (15:10) and Britain's Sarah Storey trying for her third gold of the Games. Peter Norfolk and Andy Lapthorne play for Quad tennis doubles gold (13:00), and GB take on defending champions USA on day one of the Wheelchair Rugby (14:00).

First we start with the top three stories from Wednesday's football gossip column.

Manchester United made a £38m bid for Brazil star Neymar on transfer deadline day but the 20-year-old wanted to stay at Santos until after his country host the 2014 World Cup. (The Sun) Liverpool are rumoured to be set to make a shock move for former Juventus forward Alessandro Del Piero, 37. (talkSPORT) Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was prepared to swap midfielder Jordan Henderson, winger Stewart Downing or left-back Jose Enrique to land Fulham striker Clint Dempsey. (Daily Mail)

What is coming up today? Well, Weir is back in action today in the T54 800m heats, while Oscar Pistorius will be looking to get over his 200m disappointment in the T44 100m heats and 4x100m relay. Elsewhere, England take on South Africa in the final one-day international and there is more action from the US Open at Flushing Meadows. Plus, we will have all the latest sports news as it happens.

Hello and welcome to Sportsday as we wake weary-eyed after another spectacular day at the Paralympics yesterday.

David Weir defended the T54 1500m Paralympic title he won in Beijing as he picked up his second gold of 2012, Sophie Christiansen became the first Briton to win three golds at the London Paralympics in the freestyle dressage Grade 1a test and Heather Frederiksen retained her Paralympics S8 100m backstroke title with a battling performance.