From the back pages, July 1: Lewis Hamilton climbs from last to fourth in British Grand Prix as series of drivers’ wheels explode

The spectacular tyre failure that robbed Lewis Hamilton of the British Grand Prix victory he was determined to deliver to his legion of fans not only handed the win to his Mercedes’ team-mate Nico Rosberg but proved a prelude to a dramatic and dangerous day which moved Red Bull design guru Adrian Newey to suggest that the sport had had a “narrow escape.” (The Independent)

CENTRE Brian O’Driscoll has warned Australia that “it’s not over yet” despite seeing the home side level the series against the British and Irish Lions with a 16-15 win over the tourists yesterday. (The Express)

Andy Farrell has billed next Saturday’s Test series decider between the British and Irish Lions and Australia as “the biggest game of our lives”. (The Telegraph)

If England thought that a match against an LV= County Championship second division side who were recently bowled out for 20 would be a gentle warm-up before they start their defence of the Ashes at Trent Bridge a week on Wednesday, they were swiftly disabused in the Chelmsford sunshine. The top order, including the new opening partnership of Alastair Cook and Joe Root, was blown away by Tymal Mills, a left-arm fast bowler with only 15 first-class matches behind him, and the much-vaunted middle order bamboozled by Tom Craddock, a leg-spinner of similer limited experience. (The Times)

This time there was no blood on the tracks. But there was a sly flexing of muscle, a psychological show of strength. Chris Froome has been accused of riding like a robot; of subjugating animal passions to his power meter. But on the testy ascent up the Côte du Salario, the final climb of Sunday’s thrilling 156km second stage from Bastia to Ajaccio, Froome danced away from his rivals for the yellow jersey – including Alberto Contador and Cadel Evans – like a cavalier. (The Guardian)

DAVID MOYES has secretly met Wayne Rooney in a bid to persuade the troubled star to stay at Manchester United. During the hush-hush meeting, Rooney revealed his anger at Alex Ferguson’s claims he had handed in a transfer request. (The Sun)

Arsenal have made a £20million bid for Wayne Rooney. The Gunners have fired the first shots in a bidding war that is sure to spark a response from Chelsea. (The Mirror)

Barcelona held last-ditch talks with Manchester United target Thiago Alcantara last week in a bid to persuade the youngster to resist a move to Old Trafford - and judging by this latest tweet from the Spain midfielder they might have had the desired effect. (Daily Mail)