Sports

A report in the New York Times has claimed Russian officials have admitted to the existence of a doping operation in the country for the first time. The acting director general of Russia's anti-doping agency was quoted as saying "it was…

South Africa opener Stephen Cook scored a career-best 117 as the home side dominated Sri Lanka to reach 351-5 on the third day in Port Elizabeth. Sri Lanka were bowled out early in the morning for 205, with seamer Vernon Philander…

Swansea City have sacked Bob Bradley after only 85 days in charge of the Premier League club. Monday's 4-1 home defeat by West Ham was Swans' seventh in 11 games since Bradley took over on 3 October and leaves them on 12 points, above…

Chelsea moved nine points clear at the top of the table by beating Bournemouth to set a club record of 12 straight Premier League wins. Cesc Fabregas set up Pedro to break the deadlock with a deflected shot that looped into the top…

A "culture of fear and favour is endemic" within British Cycling, according to a former senior coach. Ken Matheson, 71, says he suffered a nervous breakdown and "seriously contemplated suicide". Read more:…

Ex-British middleweight champion Nick Blackwell has woken from a coma after being injured in a sparring session. Blackwell had surgery to reduce swelling on his brain after returning to sparring in November. Read more:…

Northampton Saints will face no sanction following the investigation into their treatment of Wales wing George North's latest head injury. However, the concussion review panel concluded that the 24-year-old should not have returned to…

Cardiff Blues lock George Earle has been banned for eight weeks after being sent off in their European Challenge Cup defeat by Bath. South African Earle made contact with the eye area of Bath flanker Tom Ellis in the second half of the…

Two former senior officials who have pleaded guilty to criminal corruption charges have been banned from football-related activity for life by Fifa. The sport's governing body began its own investigation into Rafael Callejas and Alfredo…

Pakistan fell short of completing a world record run chase in the first Test against Australia in Brisbane. The tourists, set a target of 490, began the final day on 382-8 and were on target for a famous victory until Asad Shafiq fell…

Hundreds of US gymnasts have come forward to say they were sexually abused by adults in the sport. A nine-month investigation by the Indianapolis Star finds 368 gymnasts allege abuse over 20 years, by at least 100 coaches, gym owners and…

Britain's undefeated IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua says he can become a "legend overnight" with a victory against Wladimir Klitschko. Joshua, 27, will take on the Ukrainian former world champion on 29 April at Wembley in…

Birmingham City have sacked manager Gary Rowett after more than two years in charge of the Championship club. Blues are seventh in the table following their 2-1 win over Ipswich Town on Tuesday. Read more:…

Three players are in contact with the Football Association about coming out as gay, according to MP John Nicolson. He made the comments during a Department of Culture, Media and Sport hearing into homophobia in sport. Read more:…

Before England's series in India began, I did not see anyone predict that they would win it. Most thought that India would dominate - some to the tune of a 5-0 whitewash - and that England would lose. Nothing I have seen over the course…