England toiled in the field on day two at The Oval, with Mohammad Yousuf striking 115*, supported by Mohammad Hafeez and Imran Farhat.

In light of pulling out from the Unitech Cup, South Africa will host Zimbabwe for a two match ODI series in September.

The South Africans are angry over rumours that the decision to leave Sri Lanka was forced upon the younger players by the seniors.

Australian coach John Buchanan has said Glenn McGrath will take the new ball when the Ashes series starts in late November.

A strong performance from the Pakistani seamers, especially the returning Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul, put Pakistan in control.

Holders England could send as many as 24 players to defend the Ashes this winter, providing cover for every possible injury.

Matthew Hoggard has over-come a knee problem and been declared fit for the final Test against Pakistan starting tomorrow at The Oval.

Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar is unlikely to be risked in the final Test against England – although some changes are expected for Pakistan.

Andrew Strauss has told media that he would accept the England captaincy if he was offered it ahead of the Ashes series in Australia.

Tim Nielsen and Tom Moody are starting to appear as clear favourites to take over from current coach John Buchanan when he retires.