Australia in South Africa

Despite a press statement explaining his withdrawal, Daryll Cullinan has been suspended by his provincial union pending an investigation into his conduct.

Gauteng Cricket Board president Mthuthuzeli Nyoka has instituted an inquiry into Cullinan’s behaviour and he will be unavailable for selection for the Highveld Strikers until the inquiry is completed.

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Pat Symcox was unimpressed by Cullinan’s decision and was concerned for its repercussions on an embattled South African team.

"It is one of the final blows to that whole ship. It epitomises exactly what’s going on when one of the players 'your number four batsman' is prepared to turn around and not play for South Africa on the basis of wanting a contract.

I would have thought somebody would be jumping at it right now. I’m helluva disappointed - but it doesn’t surprise me to be honest.

You just ask what motives there really are. It is a show of total weakness from my point of view. I find it unacceptable.

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Allan Donald believes new boy Dewald Pretorius has what it takes to replace himself as South Africa's leading strike bowler.

Donald says that the youngster's action is very similar to his.

"He has good rhythm and swings the ball at a good pace," he says.

"Like any rhythm bowler he doesn't have to strive for pace and he's regularly in the 140s [88 mph]."

"He's not as quick as Hayward and Ngam but he's not far off," says Donald.

"South Africa are crying out for someone who can put it up the Aussies, someone who can make a difference.

"Someone has got to step up and be a hero and this is a great opportunity for him to make the spot his own."

England in New Zealand

Andy Caddick continued his impressive build-up to the first Test against New Zealand by taking five wickets in England's final warm-up game against Canterbury.

Returning to the city of his birth, Caddick claimed five for 69 less than a week before the tourists assemble for the first Test at Lancaster Park.

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New Zealand left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori continues to struggle with a long-term back problem as the first Test against England approaches.

The 23-year-old missed much of last season after suffering a back injury in Zimbabwe, and complained of soreness at the completion of last month's one-day series against England.

Vettori has suffered two back injuries in the past and is currently in Christchurch having his condition assessed.

"We always saw Daniel's recovery as a two-year project and he was in a little bit of pain after the Australian series," said Warren Frost, New Zealand Cricket fitness advisor.

Frost said that Vettori deserved a rest after an international season that has so far included three Tests against Australia and 15 one-day internationals.

Asian Test Championship

Sri Lanka gained the upper hand on the opening day of the Asian Test Championship final by reaching 94 for one in reply to Pakistan's first innings 234.

They required just four bowlers and 67 overs to dismiss defending champions Pakistan, 40 minutes after tea, in Lahore on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka raced to 94 by the close with Sanath Jayasuriya rattling up 47 from 67 balls and Kumar Sangakarra 39 from 60 balls.

Muttiah Muralitharan claimed four wickets to take his tally to 408 wickets in 73 Tests and Buddhika Fernando claimed 3 to dismiss Pakistan cheaply in the first innings.

Miscellaneous

English county bosses will decide on 11 April whether to introduce a 20-over mid-summer league in place of the Benson and Hedges Cup from 2003.

An England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) working party recommended the new competition after extensive market research, involving 1,400 interviews.

It sees the games - planned to last under three hours - as being ideal for children and those returning from work.

The entire tournament would take place during a two-week period when the nights are longest.

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