Paul Collingwood will take the field at Lord's on Thursday for his 30th consecutive Test appearance, after reporting no ill-effects from the cortisone injection that he received in his right shoulder on Friday night. However, he is aware that the injury could yet require surgery.
For the second successive Sunday, Lancashire hosted and won a one-day thriller, though this time they did not leave it to the final ball, as Francois du Plessis, their Kolpak South African, hit 77 off 80 balls.
Claire Taylor has fought off stiff competition to scoop England women's Player of the Year courtesy of strong batting performances in all forms of the game.
Geoff Miller's first Test squad as national selector included 12 of England's tried and trusted players. The one issue still hanging over the squad is the fitness of Paul Collingwood, whose right shoulder is causing him problems, but Miller didn't see the need to name an official stand-by.
Matthew Hoggard knows the hard work has only just started after earning a place in England's 12-man squad for the first Test against New Zealand. He admits he would have feared for his career if the call hadn't come, but doesn't expect to walk straight back into the XI on Thursday.
Former England captain Mike Atherton has called into doubt the ECB's decision to award an Ashes Test next year to the redeveloped Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.
David Lloyd, the former England batsman turned TV commentator, made 15 on his return for Accrington against Haslingden in the Lancashire League but couldn't help his team to victory.
Twelve months ago Ryan Sidebottom was a one-cap wonder putting in the hard yards for Nottinghamshire on the county circuit. On Monday night at Lord's he was named England's Player of the Year and will start the first Test against New Zealand as the team's premier strike bowler.
Aaron Redmond completed an impressive build-up to the first Test against England with 64 to go alongside his first-innings 146 as the New Zealanders secured a draw against England Lions at The Rose Bowl.
