England in India

England cricket authorities have said that the one-day leg of the tour to India is not under threat, despite the prospect of military action in the region.

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Craig White fears England's chances of success in the next World Cup could be put in danger by a gruelling schedule in the coming year.

"I wouldn't be surprised if one or two guys suffer from a bit of burn-out," the all-rounder told the Sunday Mirror.

South Africa in Australia

Australia have omitted Jason Gillespie from their squad for the forthcoming triangular one-day series against South Africa and New Zealand in January and February. The paceman missed the world champion's nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the second Test in Melbourne with a shoulder problem.

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Australia captain Steve Waugh said his fine for dissent during the second Test with South Africa in Melbourne is "unfair". "I thought it was a little bit unfair. It wasn't I think the way it appeared out in the middle, but that's all I can say," he said.

Miscellaneous

Tony Lewis has received a CBE for his lifelong service to cricket as a player, administrator and broadcaster at the highest level.

The first Glamorgan player to captain England in a Test match, Lewis joined an elite group of players to lead his side to victory in his Test debut.

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Nasser Hussain has revealed his plans to step down as England captain after the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. Despite being awarded an OBE in the Queen's New Year Honours list for services to cricket, the 33-year-old hopes to hand over the captaincy in 15 months time.

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Pakistan has said the West Indies must decide whether they want to tour next month or play a Test series at a neutral venue such as Sharjah or Morocco.

The tour has been thrown into doubt after the escalation of border tensions between Pakistan and India over the Kashmir conflict.

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Former Test umpire Dickie Bird says he is enjoying a new lease of life after a complex operation to restore his failing sight. Bird, 68, underwent a two-hour operation in Manchester earlier this month to correct a crumpled retina in his left eye.

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