From the back pages, March 15: Stuart Broad brace puts England firmly in control

Stuart Broad’s two wickets in two balls, after an initial new ball breakthrough by James Anderson, gave England total control of the second Test as New Zealand struggled to 66 for three by stumps at the Basin Reserve. (The Times)
Stuart BroadStuart Broad
Stuart Broad

As we have seen frequently this week, a few seconds can touch eternity on the rising ground of this ultimate test of the great jumpers and hurdlers. It means we can only imagine how long ago five years seems in the mind of the fabled trainer Paul Nicholls today. He goes into the Gold Cup with one last significant chance of ending the nightmare that has come to him in a place which he has so many times had reason to believe he had come to own. (The Independent)

Roy Hodgson is planning peace talks between Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole after warning them he does not want any “tensions” to infiltrate the England squad now he has ended the Manchester United defender’s long exile from international football. (The Guardian)

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Someone must have told the Spurs players it was an 8pm kick off in the San Siro. Appalling for 90 minutes, during which time they surrendered their three goal, first leg lead to Inter Milan and were lucky to still be in Europe, they finally acquainted themselves with Italy and saved themselves in extra-time. (The Telegraph)

Fernando Torres was a bloody hero as Chelsea reached the Europa League last eight. Torres sealed a 3-2 aggregate win after Steaua’s equaliser had left Rafa Benitez staring at another Euro exit. (The Sun)

Papiss Cisse was labelled Newcastle’s “lethal weapon” after netting a dramatic injury time winner as Newcastle clinched a last gasp spot in the last 8. (The Mirror)

Wojciech Szczesny is set to clash with Arsene Wenger over his plans to sign a new keeper in the summer. Skipper Thomas Vermaelen is also fighting to save his Gunners career. (Daily Mail)

George North has warned England that Wales want tomorrow’s Grand Slam game at the Millennium Stadium to be a “bloodbath”. (The Express)