Alastair ''Cooks'' a fine debut, but England fritter away early advantage
Cricket story by Vinnie Mitchell, Thu, 02 Mar 2006 00:24:00GMT

NAGPUR, India - Andrew Flintoff got his first toss as a captain right this morning at Nagpur as the first test between India and England got underway. However, his batsmen barring the impressive Alastair Cook frittered away this early initiative as England could only put up 246 runs on the board for the loss of 7 wickets.

West Indies A pull off stunning win over England A
Cricket story by Brian Watters, Wed, 01 Mar 2006 03:28:00GMT

ST JOHN'S, Antigua - West Indies A romped home to a narrow victory as they defeated England A by a solitary wicket in their first four-day international tour game in Antigua. Marlon Samuels and Sylvester Joseph came together for a crucial 194-run fourth-wicket partnership to help their team register a stunning victory over the touring side in the process scoring brilliant centuries reminding the West Indies selectors that they are not to be forgotten.

Cook and Anderson on standby for England in the first Test
Cricket story by Georgina Scane, Sat, 25 Feb 2006 12:52:00GMT

Alastair Cook and James Anderson have been called up as standbys for England's tour of India as the tourists have been beset with injuries. Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood are battling back problems, while skipper Michael Vaughan is suffering from a recurrence of his knee injury. Liam Plunkett has bruised his left heel.

Fletcher pleased with England's preparations
Cricket story by Fred Smith, Tue, 21 Feb 2006 20:44:00GMT

MUMBAI - The England cricket team got off to a good start to their Indian tour as they polished off Cricket Club of India President's XI in a warm-up match here. England set a target of 314 for the CCI, who collapsed to 75 all out in less than two hours.

Symonds, Ponting brutalize Sri Lanka
Cricket story by Carl Anders, Mon, 13 Feb 2006 10:32:00GMT

SYDNEY - Thoroughly embarrassed after their forgettable performance in the first final of the VB Series, Australia bounced back in spectacular fashion to humiliate Sri Lanka by 167 runs at the SCG here today. The hosts were struggling at 10-3 after Chaminda Vaas had prised out Adam Gilchrist, Simon Katich and Damien Martyn.

Ashes-winning team pick up New Years' honors at the Palace
Cricket story by Georgina Scane, Fri, 10 Feb 2006 14:04:00GMT

LONDON - It was a nervous moment all round as England's Ashes-winning team trooped into the Buckingham Palace to receive their New Years Honors. The team had been honored with OBEs and MBEs for their fascinating win over Australia in the summer.

Ashes tickets on sale from June 1 for Australians, June 19 for others
Cricket story by Fred Smith, Wed, 08 Feb 2006 17:28:00GMT

SYDNEY - Cricket Australia have announced that ticket sales for the Ashes series would begin on June 1 for Australians only. This move by the controlling authorities in Australia aims to avert a possible rush of the Barmy Army, who are expected to turn up in substantial numbers for the November-December series.

Super sub Bandara takes Sri Lanka to VB Series finals
Cricket story by Boris Webb, Wed, 08 Feb 2006 03:44:00GMT

HOBART, Australia - Super sub Malinga Bandara's 4-31 propelled Sri Lanka into the VB Tri-Series finals against Australia after they beat South Africa by 76 runs in Hobart today. The Proteas needed to win in order to make the best-of-three finals.

Trescothick promises better display in India
Cricket story by Gareth Bowman, Tue, 07 Feb 2006 20:04:00GMT

LONDON - England vice-captain Marcus Trescothick believes his side has a decent chance of winning in India if they learn the lessons from the Pakistan tour. England leave for India on Sunday to play a three Test and seven One-Day international series in late February and March.

Committee wants cricket to be freed up
Cricket story by Dominic Taylor, Thu, 02 Feb 2006 03:00:00GMT

LONDON - The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has said that all England cricket fans should have the right to watch cricket on television for free. The MPs argued by the ECB had erred by giving the exclusive rights to BSkyB and that a repeat of the sensational summer of Ashes fever was not possible in this scenario.