Sri Lanka blown away by unbelievable England attack

This was a match surely heading for a draw. Well that at least was the general consensus up and down the country, after a rain affected first test between England and Sri Lanka in Cardiff. If we hadn't had as much poor weather our troops would surely have won, but ah well we'll re-group and try again at Lords. The hosts bowling attack though had different ideas, and despite starting hours late, produced a amazing display to terrorize the visiting nation

After a first innings total of 400 all out it was reported Sri Lanka were in the box seat, but a poor bowling display combined with tremendous batting from England put paid to that idea. With 3 ton plus scores, Alistair Cook 133, Ian Bell 103 and of course Eion Morgan's 203, England wrestled the initiative. Declaring on 496/5.

This, it seemed, wouldn't provide enough time to bowl the visitors out. But at least it gave a half chance, and a look at any potential weaknesses ahead of the next two test. However as soon as Chris Tremlett reduced Sri Lanka to 1/1, the initiative never left England and they took full advantage. With Tremlett and Graeme Swann both sharing four wickets each, Stuart Broad came back into the attack and cleaned up the last two wickets. A score of 82 all out, giving England an unlikely 1-0 lead.

They will now no doubt head to lords feeling invincible. To snatch a victory from the jaws of a certain draw in an amazing feat. Sri Lanka will certainly be up against it, but the real test of this sides credentials comes later this summer. When India come visiting, that will be the real test.

Inexperienced England given chance to shine!

With the announcement of the England XV to face Barbarians on Sunday at Twickenham, it provides a great chance for some of the squad to push for a place in the World Cup Squad. Although Stuart Lancaster will coach the squad, assisted by Jon Callard and Simon Hardy, and most of those involved will be charged with defending the Churchill Cup next month. For the elite few though, with a good performance here, could just see themselves jetting out to New Zealand later this year.

Amongst those given a chance to impress is Dave Attwood, who last year found himself in the first team squad for the tour of Australia. However two counts of stomping and injuries have blighted progress, however he could be on the road back into Martin Johnson's plans. Also the likes of Luke Narraway, who captains the side, and Matt Banahan who have been in and out of the full side will hope to cement a place back there.

There's a nice blend of youth and experience in this side, with some called up for the first time whilst others have been brought back in from the cold. Given a great chance to prove themselves to the first team hierarchy, something they could also do at the forthcoming Churchill Cup. It will be no easy task though, against a Barbarians side with plenty of experienced faces. Paul Sackey will be hoping to prove himself with a try at against his home nation at HQ, and will be capably supported. The Likes of Benoit Baby, Mathieu Bastareaud and Sergio Parisse will all be on display, hoping to earn victory for the famed Baa-Baas. Teams in full:.

England:

Brown (Harlequins), Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester), Trinder (Gloucester), Banahan (Bath), U Monye (Harlequins), Hodgson (Sale), Hodgson (London Irish); Marler (Harlequins), Paice (London Irish), Doran-Jones (Gloucester), Kitchener (Worcester), Attwood (Gloucester), Johnson (Exeter), Fearns (Sale), Narraway (Gloucester, capt)

Replacements: Gray (Harlequins), Brookes (Newcastle), Gaskell (Sale), Gibson (London Irish), Young (Newcastle), Myler (Northampton), Turner-Hall (Harlequins)

Barbarians:

Jeanjean (Brive); Sackey (Toulon), Baby (Clermont Auvergne), Bastareaud (Stade Francais), Visser (Edinburgh); Michalak (Toulouse), Pienaar (Ulster); Perugini (Aironi), Ghiraldini (Benetton Treviso), Kubriashvili (Toulon), Lund (Biarritz), Tito (Cardiff Blues), Van Niekerk (Toulon), Smith (Toulon), Parisse (Stade Francais, capt)

Replacements: Bruno (Toulon), Hayman (Toulon), Geldenhuys (Aironi), Williams (Cardiff Blues), Tillous-Borde (Castres Olympique), Mason (Toulon), Rabini (La Rochelle)

Now for the Premier Leagues long summer

For managers, players, fans and everyone connected to a football club, the summer can bring a whole host of emotions. Both excitement and frustration.

Who will your club bring in? What ludicrous amounts of cash will be spent? These are the types on conundrums fans face. Constantly guessing on a daily basis, and often buying into the endless amounts of gossip columns. Yes those that would see each club having a squad of 50+ season upon season.

The board room though is a very different place, weeks of planning often goes into targeting a possible addition. While everyone knows the troubles negotiations can cause. As time drags on, panic buys often become a regular feature. With each fan in the country being able to name a few their club has found.

The people who face the toughest time though, are no dount managers. This is the time of year when they arguably become hero's or zero's. Pre season training camp, friendlies and new additions set up a team for success of failure. While those out of work, think Avram Grant and Carlo Ancelotti, have the added pressure of searching for a job. And getting settled in in no time at all to tackle all these areas.

So come August what will we have encountered? Another Carlos Tevez affair (I agree it is getting very old), massive transfer fees and endless debate no doubt? I can't wait!

Transfer flops: Francis Jeffers

A teen prodigy at Everton, and another in a long line to have fallen by the wayside. A teen debutant at Old Trafford in 1997, it seemed like Francis Jeffers was going to take the Premier League by storm but what do we know?

After averaging around one goal every three games at Goodison Park, an infamous row with then manager Walter Smith over a pay rise spelt the end of his time on Merseyside. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger took a punt on the 'fox in the box', but he couldn't live up to the tag.

At around £8m he was one of Arsenal's most expensive signings, but poor performances and injury limited his playing time. Eventually leading to his Highbury exit. A loan at Everton didn't provide a single goal, and he was then quickly sold to Charlton in 2004. Despite a two year stay Jeffers couldn't even muster half a dozen goals, and since that move to The Valley he plied his trade at seven clubs in as many years

His travels have seen him move up and down England, before an unsuccessful stint at Australia side Newcastle United Jets. However he is now back in Britain and the Scottish Premier League, with Motherwell now giving the fallen idol a home.

Since leaving Arsenal in 2001 Jeffers hasn't even managed over 20 goals. That illustrates the fabulous fall from grace which the Liverpool born front man has endured.

United victory could have huge consequences

Yesterday's victory for Manchester United over Chelsea could have a big rippling effect on both sides. The Londoners must now be resigned to a season without a single trophy making it's way into the Stamford Bridge cabinet. A scenario that over the last few weeks we have learned won't please big spending owner Roman Abramovich one bit. Carlo Ancelotti could be on his last legs, despite last seasons double, and a summer of huge spending could be on the cards. Despite January's £70m+ spree.

In the northwest however, Manchester United are on the verge of greatness. Barring a huge collapse Sir Alex Ferguson has achieved his goal with a 19th league title, knocking neighbours and rivals Liverpool off that perch. Something Red Devils fans were ecstatic about as the exited Old Trafford following that 2-1 win.

Despite this massive achievement though, the biggest test is still to come. On Saturday May 28th at Wembley they will come up against the side thought to be the best in the world, Barcelona. A team who are just one point away from securing another league title themselves, and a team for whom Lionel Messi hasn't stopped scoring all season long. Pep Guardiola has led the praise for the soon to be English Champions, but knows he faces one hell of a challenge. If they go into the game fearing the Spaniards United will be obliterated, however if they take the game to them and give no space a double can certainly be achieved.

And after becoming the side to win England's top flight the most times what could be next record for Fergie to try and topple. Well adding a fourth European cup would put them one behind Liverpool's record haul. Now that would rub salt into the wounds and would delight Fergie no end. I certainly wouldn't bet against it.

A worthy champ and new star

The Crucible theatre captivated an audience this year, like never seen before. Electric doesn't even begin to describe the atmosphere as both John Higgins and Judd Trump entered for each of the final sessions. Although the youngsters story would've been something quite remarkable, Higgins' tale is quite out of the ordinary too.

World number one before the 'frame fixing' scandal hit, the Scot endured a torrid time. Upon clearing his name, always maintaining innocence, he hit back tremendously after serving a suspension. Climbing back up the rankings, and now adding a third world title. Even going through the devastation of losing his father to cancer earlier in the year, which prompted post match tears.

This title though is the perfect way to end such a horrific time within the sport he so clearly loves. And while Trump did encapsulate the world of snooker, and hopefully brought a new audience, I'm sure no one would begrudge Higgins of another World Championship.

While the experienced master, described by Steve Davis as the best player he has ever seen, came out on top Trump will no doubt one day get his hands on this title. His fearless display throughout was to be admired, and it was just perhaps that lack of experience which counted against him. After years away from Sheffield, he has come back with a vengance after winning this years China Open. The Bristolians first round defeat of then reigning World Champion Neil Robertson proved he has the temperament for the big time. As does the way he hit back again Ding Junhui after a poor session. It is often said that Ronnie O'Sullivan is the most gifted we have seen, but could we perhaps be seeing a changing of the tide? Only time will tell

Trump said before this years tournament that he wanted to bring a younger audience to the sport, and on this display it is hard to see why that won't happen. One thing is for sure though, Higgins is by far a worthy winner and the future of snooker looks very bright indeed.