Australia have recalled rookie pace bowler Ben Laughlin for Friday's fifth and final one-day international against South Africa with Shane Harwood making way.

Ricky Ponting admits he needs the break he'll get when he relinquishes the Australia captaincy to Michael Clarke after the fifth ODI against South Africa this weekend.

Kings XI Punjab coach Tom Moody knows first-hand how passionate India's cricket fans were about the inaugural Indian Premier League tournament.

Ireland beat the Netherlands by six wickets in Pretoria on Wednesday to clinch a second consecutive appearance at the World Cup.

The illustrious Indian Premier League begins its second season on Saturday, but Australia are pushing the glitzy IPL into the background due to other international commitments.

Andy Flower has been named as the new England coach by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Australia has been relegated to their lowest ranking on the ICC one-day international rankings, slipping to number three - behind South Africa and India.

Australia fast bowler Brett Lee has been declared unfit to take his place in the national one-day squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan in Dubai.

South Africa have backed Johan Botha as a key player in their Twenty20 World Cup plans, despite the spinner's latest report for chucking.