Don't borrow Beckham

THE ASHES 

The Guardian’s Mike Selvey says the Sydney crowd may have had a glimpse of the future with the manner that Usman Khawaja started his Test career. Kevin Mitchell thinks that only performance can save Australia captain Michael Clarke now.  The Daily Mail’s Martin Samuel thinks Khawaja shows promise but nothing more so far. Nasser Hussain says England’s Andrew Strauss is improving as a captain. He is starting to adapt and think on his feet. In The Times Gideon Haigh thinks Khawaja is a young cricketer with a man-sized task. It will not be easy to avoid burdening him with expectation. Richard Hobson says England must dispense with Paul Collingwood and promote Matt Prior to No6 batsman.  The Daily Telegraph’s Simon Briggs says there was nothing regal about Clarke’s half hour at the crease yesterday. He missed an opportunity. Steve James says the Aussie baggy green cap is looking more like the saggy green at the end of a long series for the home side. The cult of the cap had become mawkish obsession.  The Independent’s Peter Roebuck says Clarke showed the poise of a captain but one loose stroke spoiled his day.

BECKHAM LOAN

The Independent’s James Lawton tells Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp that David Beckham would be the only beneficiary of a loan move to Spurs. In The Daily Express Mick Dennis urges David Beckham not to spoil the memories by joining Tottenham. His last proper match at a decent level was a year ago for AC Milan.

HODGSON FUTURE

The Daily Telegraph’s Henry Winter says the former manager, Kenny Dalglish, would readily accept caretaker duties should Roy Hodgson be sacked, giving the board six months to locate a long-term successor. He would want to be considered permanently if he revitalised the team.

FOOTBALL

In The Times Matt Dickinson says Chelsea are treating Uefa’s Rules on Financial Fair Play with great seriousness. To blow £30m on players now would undermine that  work. In The Guardian David Hytner has five new year resolutions to help  Carlo Ancelotti  revive Chelsea’s fortunes. Kevin McCarra thinks that erstwhile England striker Emile Heskey appears to be flourishing at Villa under Gérard Houllier.  The Daily Mirror’s Ian Wright believes that Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas and Man City striker Carlos Tevez will leave their respective clubs at the end of the season.

CYCLING

In The Daily Telegraph Chris Hoy believes he still has scope for improvement at the ripe old age of 34.

HOT GOSSIP

Edin Dzeko will form a great partnership with Carlos Tevez according to Steve McClaren. Liverpool are chasing Hamburg striker Eljero Elia – Daily Mirror. Blackburn insist they really have bid £6.2m bid for Ronaldinho  - The Sun. Bolton centre back Gary Cahill is a target for Chelsea – Daily Express. West Ham want Hoffenheim’s Senegal striker Demba Ba and will make an offer of £6m – Daily Telegraph.  Tottenham are after £17m-rated Ajaz striker Luis Suarez – The Independent.

QUOTE

‘He [Ronaldinho] is keen to play in the EPL [English Premier League] and I think that goes in our favour.’ – Blackburn owner Anuradha Desai.