Michael Clarke is in the doubt for the opening match of the Twenty20 World Cup after suffering a lower abdominal strain.

The Black Caps have been hit by a virus on the eve of the Twenty20 World Cup with Brendon McCullum and Mark Gillespie being worst hit.

England have received a boost ahead of their one-day decider against India today with the news Andrew Flintoff has been declared fit.

James Anderson has been named as the replacement for Ravi Bopara for the Twenty20 World Cup after Bopara dislocated his right thumb.

New Zealand have been described as favourites for Group C although Sri Lanka will be nipping at their heels to be the best side.

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has overcome his hamstring injury and been passed fit to play in the Twenty20 World Cup.

Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been sent home from the Twenty20 World Cup following a bust-up with team-mate Mohammad Asif.

John Bracewell has confirmed that Brendon McCullum will open the batting during the Twenty20 World Cup while Jacob Oram will bat three.

The ICC have announced their awards short list with Australian captain Ricky Ponting heading the list with four nominations.

Sachin Tendulkar has denied any claims of his imminent retirement from ODIs saying he wants to continue playing for as long as he can.