Australia captain Michael Clarke said drawing the Test series with England would still be a notable achievement after dreams of regaining the Ashes were washed away in Manchester.

England coach Andy Flower joined the captains of both sides in calling for improved use of the Decision Review System in the remaining two Ashes Tests against Australia.

Sri Lanka won the final Twenty20 international against South Africa by six wickets in Hambantota on Tuesday to retain their number one ranking in the shortest format.

A hat-trick by German international Thomas Mueller inspired holders Bayern Munich to a 5-0 win over fifth Division SW Rehden on Monday in their first round German Cup clash.

A US drone strike killed four Al Qaeda suspects in Yemen Tuesday, a tribal source said, amid heightened security across the Middle East against a possible major attack by the jihadists.

England retained the Ashes after rain meant the third Test against Australia at Old Trafford ended in a draw on Monday.

Officials were once again at the centre of controversy in this Ashes series when they took the players off the field for bad light on the fourth day of the third Test at Old Trafford.

Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt has declared himself “ready” in his bid to defend his 200m crown and reclaim the title in the blue-riband 100m at next week’s World Athletics Championships.

Missy Franklin claimed a historic six golds at swimming’s world championships while Ruta Meilutyte and Katie Ledecky each broke two world records as teenage girls ruled the pool in Barcelona.

The New York Cosmos launched their reincarnation with a 2-1 win against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers here Saturday as Brazilian legend Pele and other members of the club’s 1970s heyday looked on.