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It’s Day 1 of England’s first Test match since their Ashes glory in Australia back in January.

Andrew Strauss’ team say they want to continue up the Test rankings and are gunning for the number 1 spot. First up it’s Sri Lanka at Cardiff, and Eoin Morgan has been given the nod to bat at six. The Irishman replaces Paul Collingwood who retired from the longer form of the game after the Ashes success.

To look ahead to all the odds you’ll need, we’re joined by SportingBet.com’s “Wise Man” – that’s Russ Wiseman to you and me!

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England boss Fabio Capello has named Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry as the seventh different captain of his reign. Barry wasn;t involved in the weekend’s Euro 2012 qualifying win over Wales, but he’s been given the nod to lead his country for the first time. Barry says it’s one of the biggest moments of his career, and he’s excited to be leading a team of fringe players who hope to impress.

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- Barry named England skipper

– Vaughan backs Broad

– Wanjiru suffers London KO

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- Speed bemoans Bale absence

– Aussies out of World Cup

– Yardy flies home

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- Milner backs Terry as skipper

– Pakistan crush Windies

– Prior targets England improvement

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- Hammers given Olympic Stadium nod

- Hodgson back in the big time

- Ancelotti concedes title

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England play their first game of 2011 as they continue preparations for next month’s Euro 2011 qualifier against Wales.

Despite a host of withdrawals, players like Michael Dawson, Kyle Walker, Jack Wilshere and Darren Bent will be looking to stake their claims for a permanent place in the squad.

Frank Lampard will captain the side in Copenhagen as England take on Denmark for the first time since a friendly back in August 2005 saw the Danes hammer the visitors 4-1.

With Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard out with injuries, the Chelsea midfielder will lead the side out, with Lampard saying his hunger to play for England is as strong as ever.

Jack Wilshere will start in a holding role for Fabio Capello’s side, whilst Darren Bent is expected to partner Wayne Rooney up front.

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England netball captain Karen Atkinson says home advantage could be the key to beating New Zealand in this month’s three-match international series. England will face the Commonwealth champions in Manchester on Saturday, before further clashes take place in Nottingham on the 17th of January and London on the 19th. England have a score to settle, after narrowly losing to the Silver Ferns at last year’s Commonwealth Games in Delhi and World Series in Liverpool. Atkinson says the matches provide a great opportunity for her players top show how far they have come in recent months.

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England netball coach Sue Hawkins says her players have thoroughly prepared for Saturday’s International Series clash with New Zealand in Manchester. England will face the Commonwealth champions three times in a week, with further matches in Nottingham on January 17 and London on January 19. England have a score to settle with the Silver Ferns, having lost to them at last year’s Commonwealth Games in Delhi and World Series in Liverpool. Hawkins says her players have been working hard on countering the tactics she expects the Kiwis to employ, as well as coming up with a few surprises of their own.

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England cricket captain Andrew Strauss says his team are looking to secure the Ashes with victory in the 3rd Test in Perth. England handed Australia one of its heaviest defeats in Adelaide, winning by an innings and 71 runs last week, and are fit and firing for the WACA clash.

No decision has been made yet regarding who will replace Stuart Broad, who’s out of the tour after tearing a stomach muscle on Day 4 in Adelaide. The extra bounce of Chris Tremlett is favourite amongst pundits to be chosen, however the selectors have always preferred a deeper batting line up, meaning Tim Bresnan could be included.
As for the home side, Phil Hughes comes in for Simon Katich, whilst Steven Smith, Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus are all expected to replace Doherty, Bollinger and Marcus North.

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