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With another testing series against Sri Lanka ahead, the West Indies selectors are back to work to earn their ample wages. The search is on for the eleven men who can compete for five days at a time and reverse a humiliating trend of mediocrity. Thus far the selectors have named a squad of fifteen players in preparation for the first Test. But the only firm selection decision as yet is the confirmation of Chris Gayle to the West Indies captaincy. An unfortunate consequence of his injury, the move resigns Ramnaresh Sarwan to the role of deputy again.

Sri Lanka’s performance this Australian summer has been far below its ability. There has been a severe slump in their one day form over the last six months or so, which included a series loss at home to England.

In the midst of what is only a few steps short of complete chaos at administration level, Zimbabwe has still managed to field a decent batting lineup.

At the time of writing, it is uncertain whether Australia’s tour of Pakistan will go ahead, while Bangladesh’s tour Down Under has been postponed due to its clashing with the Beijing Olympics.

The decision to move to England and register as a non-overseas player is becoming increasingly frequent for the countries with such an agreement with the EU. So how is this effecting English cricket?

Shaun Tait was all set to be the new Brett Lee of the Australian side. Glenn McGrath had hung up his boots, and Lee was going to be busy trying to fill the huge-sized hole left by one of the best pacemen ever to have graced a cricket field. Australia needed someone with raw pace, who did not have to worry about being the best bowler in the side rather just had to be the fastest bowler in the side. Tait had the ability to be to Lee what Lee himself was to McGrath.

Cricket will never be the same. The game that we know and love has been violently ripped out from under us.

The “Comeback player of the Year” is an award for a player that through injury, loss of form or other reasons fell from the limelight only to return to prominence with a bang in 2007.

The Australian Cricket Team, in all forms of the game is bursting with both talent and experience. So one would assume the task of filling the vice captaincy role (made vacant by a retiring Adam Gilchrist) would be a no brainer.

Following a miserable tour to Sri Lanka, Kevin Pietersen will be intent on filling his boots against a New Zealand attack that may well be powerless to stop him.