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Lions coach Andy Flower believes Mark Wood will soon be challenging for an England place after recovering from injury. Wood is playing for the Lions against Pakistan A at Cheltenham this week having missed the winter tour of South Africa and series against Sri Lanka earlier this summer with an ankle injury picked up while in the UAE last year. The 26-year-old had two operations on the problem and hopes to be fit for the second half of the series against Pakistan, with the second Test starting at Old Trafford on Friday. Lancashire director of cricket Ashley Giles says James Anderson is raring to go for Englands second test against Pakistan at Old Trafford Marks an outstanding performer, really skilful, Flower told Sky Sports News HQ. It doesnt take him long to get up to speed, hes one of those sorts of athletes. Hes had his injury problems, but skills-wise it doesnt take him long at all. Its a great opportunity for him to show hes back up to speed and I think he will. As soon as he is I think he will be pushing hard for an England place. Younis Khan leads the celebrations as Pakistan defeat England at Lords in the first Test of the series Flower was at Lords on Sunday to watch Pakistan win the first Test against England by 75 runs and praised both sides for an entertaining match. He believes the press-up celebrations by the Pakistan players at the end showed the relief after a tough build-up to the tour. It was done in the right spirit, added Flower. The Pakistan group has worked really hard in preparation for this tour. This is a really big tour for them. Any tour of England - the opposition really look forward to it. Theyve done a lot of hard work. They were pushed hard on their army camp. I know a little bit about what goes on in that camp because my brother coaches with them, so I think it was the culmination of a lot of hard work. Winning a Test match is the result of a lot of sweat and tears and heartache and thought and commitment - and that is why some of that passion came out at the end. I thought it was quite lovely to see. Also See: Pakistan win first Test Bayliss hints at two spinners England recall Stokes, Anderson White wants more changes Dries Mertens Jersey . The 18-time champions, who havent won the title since 1990, moved two points behind Arsenal after the leaders were stunned 6-3 at Manchester City on Saturday. Defending champion Manchester United trails Arsenal by 10 points after winning 3-0 at Aston Villa to avoid a third successive league loss. Nacer Chadli Jersey . The Rays hope to stay alive for the postseason and salvage the finale of this series Sunday at Rogers Centre, where they dropped a 7-2 decision Saturday. Chris Archer lasted 2 1/3 innings in the no-decision, charged with a run and five hits, and Alex Torres suffered the loss in relief. http://www.soccerbelgiumteamonline.com/Adnan-Januzaj-UEFA-European-Belgium-Jersey/ . "I honestly dont know," he said. Try this: 20 points, nine assists and seven rebounds by Rajon Rondo, a 62-37 rebounding advantage by the Celtics and a horrible 4-for-30 shooting performance on 3-pointers by the Nets. Jan Vertonghen Belgium Jersey .B. -- Canadas Rachel Homan had ideal preparation for the playoffs at the Ford World Curling Championships with a pair of hard-fought wins over tenacious opponents Thursday. Eden Hazard Jersey . -- Derek Jeter spoke for 25 minutes, 44 seconds and answered 26 questions about his decision to retire at the end of this season.HOUSTON -- Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan rejoined the Houston Astros on Tuesday as an executive adviser. Ryan worked as a special assistant to the general manager in Houston from 2004 until he became president of the Texas Rangers in 2008. He added CEO to his title with the Rangers in 2011 and remained in that position until he stepped down in October. Ryan will serve as an adviser to owner Jim Crane, general manager Jeff Luhnow and his son and president of business operations Reid Ryan. "Im very excited to be back with the Astros," the elder Ryan said in a statement. "Im happy to assist Jim, Jeff and Reid in any way I can. The Astros have a solid foundation with a strong farm system. I think the future is bright for Houston and Im looking forward to my involvement." The Astros have lost more than 100 games in each of the last three seasons, but their minor league system has been ranked among the best in baseball this off-season. Crane is glad to have Ryan back in Houston after his time with the Rangers. "We will use his experience, expertise and knowledge to improve the Astros in all areas," Crane said. "He will be an integral part of our management teeam.dddddddddddd Nolan wants to be a part of our success moving forward." Ryan, who played for the Astros for nine seasons, is major league baseballs career strikeout leader and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1999. "Nolan Ryans experience and insights will help us on the baseball side -- both in terms of decision-making and in maximizing the productivity of our players," Luhnow said. "Im fortunate as a general manager to get advice and guidance from great former players and Astros -- Craig Biggio, Roger Clemens and now Nolan Ryan." Ryan won 324 games and set records for strikeouts (5,714) and no-hitters (seven) in a 27-year major league career. He signed with the Astros in 1980 and helped them to their first post-season appearance that year and back to the playoffs in 1981 and 1986. Reid Ryan joined the Astros last season and is looking forward to working with his father. "The opportunity to work with my father is very special," he said. "Hes had success in baseball on many levels and will be a great addition to our organization." The team said Nolan Ryan will join the team at spring training in the next few weeks. ' ' '