While Phillip Hughes, the Australian batting sensation, served notice of his intent with 78 in the tour match against Sussex yesterday, two of England's Ashes kingpins arrived in Birmingham for a team bonding session with an extra spring in their step.
Alastair Cook, the left-hander who will open the innings against Brett Lee and Co next month, showed a previously unseen versatility to his batting by plundering a remarkable Twenty20 hundred off just 57 balls for Essex on Thursday night.
On any other day, Cook's trailblazing innings would have been the talk of English cricket but, not for the first time, Andrew Flintoff stole the headlines.
The all-rounder, who has only recently returned from knee surgery, announced his return to form with the bat by belting a brutal 93 off just 49 balls for Lancashire against Derbyshire in the domestic Twenty20 Cup.
Pakistan will play two Tests and two Twenty20 internationals against Australia in England next July.
Pakistan has been declared unsafe to host international cricket since gunmen attacked Sri Lanka's team bus in Lahore in March. Pakistan played a one-day series and two Twenty20 games against Australia in Abu Dhabi and Dubai earlier this year.
Shane Bond is set for a return to the international fold after being included in New Zealand Cricket's list of 20 players to be offered central contracts from August.
The fast bowler, 34, lost his place in the national side18 months ago after electing to join the Indian Cricket League, but has severed ties with that competition.
* With agencies
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
The%20specs
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The specs
Engine: 5.2-litre V10
Power: 640hp at 8,000rpm
Torque: 565Nm at 6,500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: From Dh1 million
On sale: Q3 or Q4 2022
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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UFC Fight Night 2
1am – Early prelims
2am – Prelims
4am-7am – Main card
7:30am-9am – press cons
The Penguin
Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz
Creator: Lauren LeFranc
Rating: 4/5
The%20specs
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THE RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: Alnawar, Connor Beasley (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: Raniah, Noel Garbutt, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh90,000 2,200m
Winner: Saarookh, Richard Mullen, Ana Mendez
6.30pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (PA) Rated Conditions Dh125,000 1,600m
Winner: RB Torch, Tadhg O’Shea, Eric Lemartinel
7pm: Al Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: MH Wari, Antonio Fresu, Elise Jeane
7.30pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,600m
Winner: Mailshot, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
The%20specs
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The Year Earth Changed
Directed by:Tom Beard
Narrated by: Sir David Attenborough
Stars: 4
SPECS
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The Buckingham Murders
Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu
Director: Hansal Mehta
Rating: 4 / 5
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More on Turkey's Syria offence
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The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
SPECS
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