Henry Moeran
BBC Test Match Special in Potchefstroom

"With heavy storms interrupting play throughout the afternoon, play has been abandoned on the final day of England’s warm-up match against a South African Invitational XI in Potchefstroom.

"The home side were 5-0 in their second innings, 467 runs behind England who this morning were bowled out for 190."

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew is aiming high...

"Stoke will be a very attacking team, with a lot of flair. They will need to worry about us though," said Pardew. "There isn't much between us and them - this will be a key fixture for us to secure sixth.

"In 2016, if we match the start of this season I'll be a very happy man."

Reports earlier in the day suggested that Crystal Palace are close to being taken over by a US consortium in a £100m deal., external

Does manager Alan Pardew know anything about this?

"I have met the potential investors, they have a passion for this football club that reflects mine and that of chairman Steve Parish," he said.

"The backing does mean improvements to Selhurst Park which will be welcomed, that's Steve's job. Mine is to look after this team."

What about signings when the transfer window opens?

"I don't think we'll be doing too much business in January, maybe a few on loan. Our key players won't be going anywhere."   

England captaincy contender Dylan Hartley is not expected to return for Northampton Saints' European Champions Cup tie against Racing Metro on Friday.

Image source, Getty Images

The hooker, a leading candidate to replace Chris Robshaw as captain under new head coach Eddie Jones, is still suffering symptoms from a concussion sustained against Saracens last month.

Centre George Pisi and flanker Jon Fisher are both available again.

Dan Carter led Racing to a resounding 33-3 victory over Saints last weekend.

Stewart Corrall:, external Jimmy Droid Hasselbaink.

Stephen MCP Brogarth:, external In goal it would have to be Jar Jar Nigel Spinks.

Ed Mainwaring-Burton:, external Brazilian Star Wars Team - Artur D2, Qui-Gon JuanFernando Calrissian, Lucio Skywalker & Boba Fred.

Stu Lewis:, external Carlos Chew-Bacca. Flew on the Millennium Falcao with Juan Solo-Cuadrado. Ahem.

Ben Rabinovich:, external Edwin Van Death Star - you don't want to have him in front of goal/Alderaan.

Can you beat Edwin van Death Star? The bar has been set high. If you can do better, then tweet us using #BBCSportsday.

Undefeated Welsh boxer Liam Williams says he has no concerns about going straight back into a title fight after a year out with a hand injury.

The 23-year-old will face Kris Carslow in Manchester on Saturday for the vacant British super-welterweight belt.

Image source, Getty Images

Williams has not fought since November 2014, but insists he is ready to return against a quality opponent.

"I was offered a couple of warm-up fights and to be honest I didn't see the point," he said.

Harlequins centre George Lowe has signed a new contract with the Premiership club.

The 26-year-old has scored 27 tries in 128 appearances for Quins, despite spending over a year out with a serious neck injury he suffered in 2013.

Image source, Getty Images

"My decision to stay was a quick and easy one," he told the club website., external

"The club and its supporters really helped me during my long-term injury and it's something I'm truly grateful for. I want to repay the faith."

Image source, Getty Images

On this day in 1810 championship belts were introduced in boxing when bare-knuckle fighter Tom Cribb was given one after beating Tom Molineaux at Copthall Common.

It's not the only sporting moment of significance on 17 December. On this day in 2006, England surrendered the Ashes as they lost the third Test in Perth by 206 runs.

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool are closing in on their first signing under Jurgen Klopp, as the deal for Red Star Belgrade midfielder Marko Grujic edges nearer, reports the Liverpool Echo., external

The paper claims Klopp has got personally involved in the transfer and his impact has swayed the 19-year-old's decision, with Inter Milan also interested.

Clement tells the media he has been thinking of changing Derby County's system for their fixture with Ipswich.

"Ipswich normally go 4-4-2, they're maybe the most direct team in the Championship. It'll be tough," he says.  

Leon Haslam will return to British Superbike racing for the 2016 season.

The 32-year-old finished fourth in the World Superbike standings in 2015, but left the Red Devils Aprilia team at the end of the season.

Multiple World and British Superbike race-winner Haslam was British SB runner-up in 2006 and 2008 and second in the 2010 World SB series.

"I have unfinished business," said the Derbyshire rider, who will be riding for the JG Speedfit Kawasaki team.

We have a winner!

Do Premier League manager's send Christmas cards to each other? If so, what message do they write inside them?

Under fire Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho reveals all.

Watch the clip here

Watch The Clare Balding Show on Friday at 22:00 GMT on BBC Two.  

Luis Suarez hits a hat-trick in the absence of injured team-mates Lionel Messi and Neymar to book Barcelona's place in the 2015 Fifa Club World Cup final.

Head here for all the reaction

A Question of Sport Teaser

Today's question is: Who are the five F1 drivers to have won Sports Personality of the Year?

Answers will be revealed later this afternoon. No cheating!

Liverpool Ladies have signed Wales captain Sophie Ingle for the upcoming Women's Super League season.

The 24-year-old midfielder has spent the last two seasons with Bristol Academy having previously played for Chelsea Ladies and Cardiff City Ladies.

Image source, Liverpool FC

She has joined the Reds over other offers from WSL teams.

"Liverpool is a massive club and once I was aware of their interest there was only one team I wanted to sign for," she said.

It seems Tottenham have taken on the Star Wars team we are asking you for. Some of your suggestions are terrific. Keep them coming to #bbcsportsday. 

We're confident we can put a team together to take on Spurs' five-a-side offering.

Image source, BBC Sport

Barcelona look like they will meet River Plate in the Club World Cup final.

Some more of your suggestions for our Star Wars XI.

Jamie Matthews:, external Gordon Binks in goal, Mesut C3POzil, Jar Jar Toure, Xavi the hutt.

Adam Cornish:, external Sylvain Ewocks-Blake.

Adam Lacey, external: Ewok Origi.

Ryan Rodwell:, external Jabba De Bruyne; (Scott) Dann Solo; Han Rojo; Admiral Ozil; Admiral Payet; Ayew-D2; Yaya Organa; Princess Pelleia...

Image source, Getty Images