MUTTIAH MURALITHARAN had the last laugh in a week of cheer for Sri Lanka as England’s brave rearguard fell narrowly short at Asgiriya.

IRELAND are determined to shake off the effects of an untimely virus to give coach Adrian Birrell the “send-off” he deserves for overseeing their surprisingly successful World Cup campaign.

Australia cruised to their 20th successive World Cup win at the expense of an under-strength Sri Lanka today to make almost certain of topping the Super Eight table.

SRI LANKA coasted to a six-wicket victory over New Zealand to move level on points with their opponents at the top of the World Cup Super Eight table.

JUST an hour’s play was possible yesterday on the second day of the second Test between India and England in Mohali due to bad light and rain.

GLENN McGRATH settled back into his usual Lord’s routine to secure his place in cricket’s hall of fame and ruin England’s fine start to the first Test yesterday.

Glenn McGrath joined cricket’s hall of fame today by becoming the fourth player in history to claim 500 Test wickets on the first day of a first Ashes Test at Lord’s.

THE tsunami disaster in Asia has had an immediate impact on sport in the region, with the 10th South Asian Games, scheduled for Sri Lanka in August, postponed as the nation concentrates on rebuilding after the recent tragedy.

ENGLAND crashed to their third-heaviest defeat in Test history as Sri Lanka completed a series-deciding victory inside four days at the SSC.