Ricky Ponting produced a masterful captains knock as Australia battered England’s bowlers on the first day of the Ashes

Michael Vaughan is targeting the Boxing Day Ashes Test in Melbourne to make his return to international cricket for England.

Led by Mohammad Yousuf’s 191, Pakistan’s batsmen ground out a draw on the final day against the West Indies.

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Sami has been recalled for the third Test against the West Indies starting his coming Monday in Karachi.

Shaun Tait has been released from the Australian squad for the first Test at The Gabba in Brisbane starting tomorrow.

Imran Farhat, Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan all hit half-centuries to get Pakistan back into the second Test against the West Indies.

A Jacques Kallis ton was backed up by a spectacular bowling display, resulting in a 157-run win by South Africa over India at Durban.

Ian Bell remains in contention for the Ashes opener, being cleared of a fracture to his left wrist following a training mishap today.

Michael Clarke will take the place of the injured Shane Watson for the first Ashes test at the ‘Gabba on Thursday.

South African spinner Johan Botha can return to international cricket after his action, deemed illegal in February, was cleared.