Andrew Strauss is relishing the chance to renew his acquaintance with Morne Morkel in his 50th Test next week - despite Saturday's failure against South Africa's emerging pace spearhead.

England captain Michael Vaughan is unequivocal in his belief he will not only get through next week's first Test against South Africa but the entire series.

Graeme Smith insists he has matured as a captain since he first led South Africa in England five years ago, when he made two double hundreds.

West Indies captain Chris Gayle admitted his dismissal had been crucial as his team tumbled to a fourth consecutive ODI defeat to Australia.

Alastair Cook marked a rare Friends Provident Trophy appearance for Essex Eagles by scoring a half-century in the semi-final clash with Yorkshire Carnegie at a packed Chelmsford.

Matthew Hoggard has revealed Yorkshire's determination to give Darren Gough the "perfect send-off" by winning the Friends Provident Trophy.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland has urged world cricket leaders not to lose sight of the fact one-day internationals have been the foundation for the financial success of the game.

Morne Morkel saw off Andrew Strauss in quick time at Uxbridge this morning to serve notice of the threat his extra pace will pose to England.

Half-centuries from openers Nasir Jamshed and Salman Butt helped Pakistan ease to a 10-wicket victory over Bangladesh to round off their Asia Cup campaign on a high.

Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik admitted the 10-wicket win over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup on Friday was a bitter-sweet experience for his team.

Guernsey have been granted full associate membership to the International Cricket Council today.

Akbar Ansari is the 2008 winner of the Walter Lawrence Trophy award for the highest-scoring batsman from the six MCC Universities.

Essex have extended the loan of Kent batsman Neil Dexter for another month.