HAMPSHIRE began the defence of the C&G Trophy with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Ireland in Dublin, despite the absence of star names Shane Warne and Kevin Pietersen.

Hampshire began the defence of the C&G Trophy with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Ireland in Dublin, despite the absence of star names Shane Warne and Kevin Pietersen.

Andrew Flintoff took two wickets in two balls to revive England’s hopes just when it seemed they were running out of time to force the result they need in Faisalabad to have any chance of registering a seventh successive Test series victory.

England were unable to make a much-needed breakthrough as Pakistan consolidated a slim first-innings advantage by moving to 50 without loss in their second innings at lunch on day four of the second Test in Faisalabad.

England squandered a promising position on the way to a 22-run defeat on the final day of the first Test against Pakistan in Multan.