Australian opening batsman Matthew Hayden has denied a punch up with team-mate Damien Martyn lead to his sudden retirement after the second Ashes Test.

Ricky Ponting has backed Victorian captain Cameron White to play in tomorrow’s one-day international against England in Melbourne.

Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, who have doping cases looming large over their heads, have been named in Pakistan’s 30-man squad for the WC.

Young openers Tamim Iqbal and Junaid Siddique have been named in Bangladesh’s provisional 30-man squad for the World Cup.

India are optimistic that Yuvraj Singh will return to the side later in the month to prepare for the World Cup.

Brett Lee has been ruled out of the first two one-day matches against England and New Zealand due to a chest infection.

Zimbabwe have announced their provisional 30-man squad for the World Cup, which will be cut to 15 players by the February 15 deadline.

Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist raised concerns over the Twenty20 format and its World Cup scheduled for later in the year.

South Africa have submitted their 30 man provisional World Cup squad to the ICC, including 14 coloured players.

Australia have continued their domination over England throughout the summer with a 77 run win at the SCG.