WORLD OF SPORT: ‘Voice of Racing’ dies, Ashes ace Anderson can ‘bowl better’, McIlroy set to lose World No.1 status

What are the main headlines around the world of sport right now?

Former BBC racing commentator Sir Peter O’Sullevan - dubbed the ‘Voice of Racing’ - has died at home in London after a long illness, aged 97. An icon in the sport, he commentated on 50 Grand Nationals and around 14,000 races before retiring in 1997. (BBC Sport).

England’s James Anderson says he “can bowl better” despite taking his best-ever Ashes figures of 6-47 as England dominated on the first day of the third Test. The 32-year-old took four Australian wickets in 19 balls as the tourists were skittled for 136 at Edgbaston. (BBC Sport).

Wladimir Klitschko has revealed he has never seen a boxer with as much potential as Anthony Joshua. The unified heavyweight world champion witnessed Joshua’s ability at close quarters when they sparred at the Ukrainian’s training camp last year. And he has backed the Londoner to enjoy a glittering future in the sport. (Daily Mail).

Still nursing his injured ankle, Rory McIlroy’s withdrawal from the third WGC tournament of this year, where he would have been the defending champion, was confirmed on Wednesday. The odds are currently stacked against a McIlroy return at the US PGA Championship the following week after he announced he would not be defending his World Golf Championships Bridgestone Invitational title which means he could he could lose his status as the world No.1 to Jordan Spieth. (Guardian).

Jen Welter has become the first female coach in the NFL after being appointed by the Arizona Cardinals. The 37-year-old American has been hired as a linebacker coach for pre-season by Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians (BBC Sport).

The Football Association has thrown its weight behind Michel Platini’s bid for the presidency of Fifa after Greg Dyke confirmed that it was backing the Frenchman. Platini launched his bid to succeed Sepp Blatter by vowing to restore the world governing body’s “dignity” after it was engulfed by the worst crisis in its history. (Telegraph).