In the final match of the Top End series, New Zealand A played Pakistan A. The result was a win to New Zealand A by 50 runs.

Twin centuries from the England middle order’s two youngest members, Alastair Cook and Ian Bell, propelled the hosts into Day 2 command

The Top End Series showed a lot of promising signs for the future, in terms of both the competition itself and the players involved.

Steve Harmison took 6 for 19 to dismiss Pakistan for 119 on the first day at Old Trafford. England ended the day at 168-2 in reply.

South Africa were bundled out for 169 against Sri Lanka, as the hosts end Day 1 only 41 runs behind, with eight wickets in hand.

Glenn McGrath has taken his first step to getting back into the Australian side in bowling to Michael Clarke in Brisbane nets yesterday

Former Indian and Kent coach John Wright is looking to return to coaching and has said the Black Caps would be his preferred option.

England have released Jamie Dalrymple from their squad for the second Test at Old Trafford after looking at the pitch conditions.

Chaminda Vass is out of the 1st Test against South Africa at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo with a hamstring injury.

Glenn McGrath is to prove his fitness to the national selectors later this week with a spell of bowling at outdoor nets in Brisbane.