Kevin Pietersen's first day as England Test captain proved a resounding success as South Africa were decimated at the Brit Oval.

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of left-back Nicky Shorey from Reading on a three-year deal with Middlesbrough defender Luke Young expected to join him imminently.

Andrew Johnson has completed his transfer from Everton to Fulham for an undisclosed fee.

Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed he would love to have Sir Alex Ferguson at his side throughout his career.

Mark Clattenburg, one of the Barclays Premier League's most promising young referees, has been backed to make a swift return to officiating duties after being suspended pending a probe into his business affairs.

Deportivo La Coruna have accepted a bid from Newcastle for Argentina defender Fabricio Coloccini.

Lionel Messi emphasised his importance to Argentina, scoring one goal and setting up the winner as the South Americans kicked off their Olympic campaign with a 2-1 victory over the Ivory Coast.

Shattered Frankie Gavin flew home to Birmingham with his Olympic dream in tatters as British amateur boxing chiefs promised to launch a major inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his failure to make the weight.

Robert Karlsson and Jeev Milka Singh made the early running at Oakland Hills with opening rounds of two-under-par 68 at the 90th US PGA Championship.

London Irish have signed Samoa centre Elvis Seveali'i from Sale Sharks.

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