Reuters Sports Schedule at 1400 GMT on Thursday, August 4

Reuters sports schedule at 1400 GMT on Thursday (times GMT): RIO OLYMPICS The Rio Games start on Friday with a spectacular opening ceremony and our team of reporters will bring you all the latest news from the global sporting showpiece. (OLYMPICS-RIO-SPORT/) SOCCER We will bring you the latest team and transfer news from across the European leagues ahead of the new season and keep you up to date with all the major developments from the pre-season games. (SOCCER-COUNTRY-TEAM/, expect throughout) CRICKET England v Pakistan, third test, Birmingham (to 7) Pakistan reply to England's 297 Pakistan reach 72 for one at lunch on the second day in reply to England's 297. (CRICKET-ENGLAND/, moved, 200 words) Sri Lanka v Australia, second test, Galle (to 8) Mendis shines for Sri Lanka Kusal Mendis excelled under pressure again, hitting a sparkling 86 and featuring in two important partnerships to help Sri Lanka overcome a shaky start and post 281 all out on the opening day.(CRICKET-SRI LANKA/, moved, 350 words) RUGBY Super Rugby final Wellington Hurricanes v Lions Hurricanes get another chance to blow away nearly men tag WELLINGTON - The Wellington Hurricanes have a second opportunity in 12 months to end 20 years of 'close but not quite' frustration in the Super Rugby final against the Lions on Saturday. (RUGBY UNION-SUPER/ (PREVIEW), moved, by Greg Stutchbury, 600 words) GOLF PGA Tour: Travelers Championship, Cromwell, Connecticut (to 7) Watson set for title defence at a cherished PGA Tour venue Twice Masters champion Bubba Watson, a nine-times winner on the PGA Tour, returns to one of his most treasured venues to launch his title defence in the opening round at the TPC River Highlands, where he also triumphed in 2010. (GOLF-PGA/, expect by 0030 GMT/8.30 PM ET, 350 words) BASEBALL Jays visit Astros with eye on division lead The Toronto Blue Jays, in a three-way battle for top spot in the American League East, send left-hander J.A. Happ (14-3) to the mound versus the host Houston Astros in one of the 12 games on the schedule. (BASEBALL-HIGHLIGHTS/, expect by 0600 GMT/2 AM ET, by The Sports Xchange, 800 words) - - - - NORTH AMERICAN SPORTS Roundups of off-field developments in the major North American professional sports leagues. (expect by 0000 GMT/8 PM ET, 500 words) (Europe desk editor: Ed Osmond)