Miscellaneous

Nottinghamshire have lined up South Africa's Nicky Boje to replace injured overseas player Chris Cairns for the forthcoming English domestic season.

Cairns has been forced to undergo knee surgery, which has also ruled him out of the current Test series against England.

Nottinghamshire would have two South African internationals on their books if they captured Boje.

The big-hitting all-rounder Lance Klusener was in any case lined up on a short term deal as cover for Cairns, who was due to be away on international duty for a month of the season.

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England's chairman of selectors, David Graveney, has given every indication that Alec Stewart could still appear in next year's World Cup.

Graveney, in an interview with the Mail on Sunday, said he had spoken to Stewart at the memorial service for Ben Hollioake in Perth.

"He re-affirmed his desire to get back in the national team in both forms of cricket," said Graveney of the Surrey man who will soon be 39.

"Alec is in the frame, no doubt about it. The operation he had on his elbows was a success.

England's tour of New Zealand

Third Test, Auckland, day two:
New Zealand 151-5 v England.

Persistent rain wiped out the whole of day two of the Auckland Test.
Scorecard

Australia's tour of South Africa

Shane Warne says he is bitterly disappointed that his persistent hamstring injury has so far thwarted his hopes of playing this one-day series against South Africa, but is hopeful of playing in the final three games.

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Australian skipper Ricky Ponting promised to continue turning the screw on South Africa after inspiring his side to a 37-run win in the fourth match of their best-of-seven one-day series.

"The boys have improved with every game. With Shane and Michael hopefully coming into the next match we want to keep it going," said Ponting.

India in West Indies

A massive security presence will greet the Indian cricket team upon their arrival in Guyana on the first stop of the West Indies tour on Monday.

Officials have disclosed that the visiting team will have continuous protection from the time they arrive at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport to the time they leave the tiny country on the nothern coast of South America.

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