Reuters Sports Schedule at 0001 GMT on Thursday

Reuters sports schedule at 0001 GMT on Thursday:

CRICKET

The Ashes

England need at least a draw at the WACA to keep hopes alive

PERTH - England need to cobble a draw at the WACA to keep the Ashes alive but face a huge task to stop Australia from sealing the series 3-0 at a ground where the tourists have lost their last seven tests in succession. (CRICKET-ASHES/ (PIX), expect throughout, by Ian Ransom, 400 words)

NBA

Surging Rockets host Hornets

The Houston Rockets look to push their NBA-best record to 22-4 when they host the struggling Charlotte Hornets while the Eastern Conference leading Boston Celtics face the Denver Nuggets in two of the nine games on the National Basketball Association's schedule. (BASKETBALL-NBA/HIGHLIGHTS, expect by 0630 GMT/1:30 AM ET, by The Sports Xchange, 500 words)

NHL

Islanders host Stars in New York

The New York Islanders look to gain ground in the Metropolitan Division when they host the Dallas Stars while the New York Rangers visit the Ottawa Senators in two of the four games on the National Hockey League schedule. (ICEHOCKEY-NHL/HIGHLIGHTS, expect by 0630 GMT/1:30 AM ET, by The Sports Xchange, 500 words)

NORTH AMERICAN SPORTS

Roundups of off-field developments in the major North American professional sports leagues. (expect by 0100 GMT/8 PM ET, by The Sports Xchange, 500 words)

SOCCER

Premier League

We'll bring you all the build-up to the weekend Premier League matches, including leaders Manchester City at home to Tottenham Hotspur, with coverage of team news and injury updates plus the managers' news conferences. (SOCCER-ENGLAND/) (Asia desk editor: Greg Stutchbury)