Harmison doubles up
LONDON: England paceman Steve Harmison triggered a South African collapse at The Oval on the first day of the fourth Test to put the hosts in full control.
Harmison was impressive in his first match for England since being dropped in March, capturing two wickets in two balls and James Anderson took 3-42 to help dismiss South Africa for 194.
At stumps England were 1-49, with Alastair Cook on 20 and Ian Bell on 22, giving Kevin Pietersen a good start to his captaincy.
Andrew Strauss was out in the fourth over for six, edging Makhaya Ntini to slip.
South Africa, who hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, had moved untroubled to 1-103 after lunch when Harmison struck.
He first had Graeme Smith caught at backward square leg for 46, and the next ball uprooted Hashim Amla's middle stump.
With the series already decided, there was speculation South Africa might not have been completely focused on the match. Amla, however, denied that the team felt they had nothing to play for.
"That's not the case at all," he said. "We know we are still playing for our country. That we have already won the series did not affect our approach at all. We want to win 3-0."
Harmison's double strike provided the spark that England have lacked this series.
Anderson then trapped Jacques Kallis lbw for two to claim his 100th Test wicket, and England went on to claim six wickets in a single session.
AP
■LEAGUE
Hagan in hospital
Parramatta coach Michael Hagan has been admitted to hospital suffering dizziness but is expected to coach the Eels against Sydney Roosters in their crucial NRL game tomorrow.
Hagan yesterday checked himself in to The Hills Private Hospital in western Sydney for tests and an expected overnight stay. Assistant coaches Matthew Cameron and David Fairleigh will oversee the team's final training run today.
■TENNIS
Ivanovic booked
Women's world No.1 Ana Ivanovic will headline the newest tournament on the calendar, the 2009 Brisbane International. To be held at the State Tennis Centre from January 4 to 10, it replaces the women's Gold Coast tournament and the men's Adelaide International. "This is a great new event on the calendar in a lovely part of the world," the Serbian star said.
■FOOTBALL
Phoenix love Muscat
Wellington Phoenix have signed Australian defender Manny Muscat as a replacement for the injured Vince Lia. The 23-year-old gets his first A-League contract after playing two pre-season cup games for Phoenix. Coach Ricki Herbert said Muscat had proved good enough for promotion from Victorian club Green Gully. "He only had two sessions with us before we played Sydney and he played extremely well,," Herbert said.
■GOLF
Sorenstam by one
Stockholm: Annika Sorenstam birdied six of her last eight holes to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the Scandinavian TPC. The Swede, who is hosting the Ladies European Tour event for the last time, carded 66. Johanna Head of England shares second at 67 with Anna Rossi of Italy. Australia's Dana Lacey is four strokes off the pace after shooting a two-under 70.
■FOOTBALL
Blues chase Robinho
London: English Premier League giants Chelsea have confirmed a bid to sign Real Madrid's Brazilian striker Robinho. The club, which has already signed Jose Bosingwa and Deco, made no secret of its desire to bring Robinho into the squad. The 24-year-old, who joined Real in 2005, has 50 caps for Brazil and Chelsea's offer is believed to be for about £20 million ($42.81million).
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