David Beckham, who is regaining his fitness, is being praised by England manager Steve McClaren. “He’s a true patriot and he loves playing for England,” McClaren said. The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder resumed training this week  after being out more than a month with a sprained right knee.

Muttiah Muralitharan, who is just nine wickets away from the world record of highest Test wickets, is eyeing the wicket of Australian captain Ricky Ponting as his prime target on the tour Down Under. ‘’The greatest challenge will be to get Ponting out, the best batsman in the world,’’ Murali said.