Moto GP: British rider Cal Crutchlow will ride for Ducati for the next two seasons after reaching an agreement with the Italian MotoGP outfit. Crutchlow, currently with Yamaha, will re-join former team mate Andrea Dovizioso for the 2014 and 2015 campaigns in what will be his first ride with a factory team. The 27-year-old former World Supersport champion and 2011 MotoGP rookie of the year, is fifth in this year’s standings.

Cricket: Pakistan will play back to back “home” series against South Africa and Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates starting in October. The Pakistan Cricket Board said the team would play three tests, five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches against the Lankans in December and January. They will play two tests, five ODIs and two Twenty20 matches against South Africa in October-November. South Africa and Sri Lanka refused to tour Pakistan because of security concerns.

Cycling: Tour de France champion Chris Froome will make his return to action in the USA Pro Challenge in Colorado which starts on August 19, Team Sky have confirmed. Froome, who is eyeing an assault on the road race at the world championships in September, has been taking some time off since appearing in a handful of post-Tour criterium races in Holland and Belgium.

Judo: Olympic bronze medalist Karina Bryant has announced her retirement – a year to the day after standing on the podium at London 2012. The 34-year-old from Camberley is Great Britain’s most decorated judoka, with four European titles as well as five silver medals at the World Championships. Heavyweight fighter Bryant, though, has endured a personal battle through a series of fitness problems and as such decided time was right to step off the Tatami.