Joe Root made Australia pay for dropping him second ball, with a counter-attacking century which transformed day one of the Ashes in Cardiff yesterday.

Top Gear’s former executive producer has said the BBC has lost an “editorial genius” in Jeremy Clarkson, calling their decision to axe him from the show a “tragedy”.

Graeme Swann struck in the nick of time to complete England’s 347-run victory inside four days, and ensure they moved 2-0 up in the Ashes series without the hassle of any unfinished business at Lord’s today.

MICHAEL and Declan Phelan have been disqualified from racing for 12 months each by the British Horseracing Authority for laying Itsallaracket to lose at Folkestone in December 2008.