Mike Denness controversy

The International Cricket Council's inquiry into disciplinary procedures followed by ICC match referee Mike Denness in a Test match in South Africa last year has been put back by at least three months, the ICC has said.

Former England captain Denness is shortly to undergo surgery and his presence was required at a meeting of the ICC's disputes resolution committee scheduled for June 6 and 7, the ICC said in a statement on Friday.

"Michael Beloff QC considered his attendance to be crucial for the committee to be able to reach firm and fair conclusions," the statement read.

"That meeting has now been deferred for at least three months, following confirmation that Mike Denness is to undergo surgery in the near future and will not be in a position to attend the inquiry."

Javagal Srinath's retirement

Fast bowler Javagal Srinath had told the Indian selectors that he wants to retire from Test cricket.

The 32-year-old has taken 232 wickets in 64 Test, 13 in the recent five-match series in the West Indies. Srinath wants to concentrate exclusively on one-day cricket with a view to being part of the Indian squad for next year's World Cup in South Africa.

"He spoke to me today and said he wants to retire from Tests," revealed chief selector Chandu Borde.

Subhash Gupte dead

Subhash Gupte (72), one of the finest exponents of leg spin bowling, died on Friday morning in Trinidad, West Indies. He is survived by wife Carol, son and daughter.

Gupte, labelled by Sir Gary Sobers as the best leg-spinner he ever saw or faced, passed away just when his wife was preparing to welcome the Indian team, which is scheduled to play the fourth one-day international in Trinidad.

Sri Lanka in England

Day Two: England 401-5 (M Trescothick 161, M Butcher 94, Muralutharan 4-105) v Sri Lanka 162 all out.

Muttiah Muralitharan checked England's progress in the second Test at Edgbaston with four badly needed wickets for Sri Lanka.

England still finished the second day on 401 for five, a first innings lead of 239, with Marcus Trescothick's Test-best 161 as the centrepiece.

But Sri Lanka's position would have been worse but for leading wicket-taker Murali's four for 105 from a marathon 44 overs.

Scorecard | Match report | Slide show

Miscellaneous

Pakistan are set to play an one-day international series in England at the start of next summer. England want to use the games as a warm-up for visits by Zimbabwe and South Africa, which include Test matches and a triangular one-day competition.

"We have been invited to play three one-day internationals in England at the start of their season and we have accepted the invitation," said Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Lieutenant General Tauqir Zia.

Dates and venues for the games are expected to be announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board in the near future.

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