The star in the South is actual North

After an ordinary start Australia has posted a brilliant first innings score thanks to a committed batting performance from the lower and middle order. First Haddin with 63 then North who on Debut scored an amazing 117 joining an elite group of people to do so. He is the first western Australian to score a century on debut. Mitchell Johnson also had an amazing innings ending up stranded on 96 not out after running out of partners. Mitchell scored an blistering 26 runs from one of South African spinner Harris.
Australia's first innings total was 466, the Proteas response was almost dejavous with Graeme smith out for a golden duck, Amla following for 1, Then Callis falling for a low score the Proteas finish there first session 3/85.
Marcus North was extremelt impressive in his innings, playing real test match cricket. Perhaps boring at times it was exactly the innings that other Australian batsmen should look to for inspiration. The wicket had a lot of movement and swing in it and this was evident with the new ball and wickets falling early for both sides and again when the South African's got the second new ball. Even when they got a reconditioned ball from Mitchell Johnso hitting it out of the grounds the results were evident in the movement of that ball.
All in all Australia look good but that is only one innings, A solid base to start from.

Score so far in Australia vs South Africa Test

Phil hughes 0 from 4 balls b. Steyn c. Boucher
Simon Katich 3 from 34 balls b. Steyn c. Mckenzie
Michael Hussey 4 from 21 b. Morkel c. Callis
Ricky Ponting 83 from ?? b. Ntini (played it onto stumps)
Michael ClarkE 68 from ?? b. Steyn c. Boucher
Marcus North 47 Not out
Brad Haddin 37 Not out

Score at Stumps on day one 5/254

Ok fall of wickets were 0/1, 2/18, 3/38, 4/??, 5/182
Currently its lunch and Ponting in batting well and so is ClarkE. The Score is 3/77.
Ponting is very lucky to be there as he was dropped by Graeme Smith on 40 and the catch was an absolute sitter in first slip. The very next ball Ponting hit a 6, nice response.
Best bowling at the moment is steyn when I last took the figures down it was 5 overs 2 maidens with 2 wickets.
Ponting had a scare early on as well that there was a big appeal for but umpire Steve Bucknor said no this was not challenged, this proved to be a good decision as the ball clipped his trouser pocket on the way through.
Let me say this so far, Ricky has looked solid but has been extremely lucky. Phil Hughes got out for an absolute School Boy Error, nothing more need be said there. Katich never looked settled and Mike Hussey was the same too nervous and just not focused. The pressure the SA's put on these players was constructed really well.
More will come, although I am not staying up all night to watch the game, sorry every one but I have a child that will be up early tomorrow so I will give one more update later on this evening and pick things up tomorrow.
Day one not too bad actually it has shown that Australia does have some batting depth now, it was unlucky for Hughes to get out for that bad shot but as I said earlier it was just a School Boy Error.
Looking forward to the next days play. In futher information South Africa challenged a call by Billy Bouden when there was a sound as Ricky Pointing played and missed that went through to Boucher. The challenge was viewed and Bouden was found to be correct and Pointing not out on 70.

News on DAVE WARNER

Australian one-day and Twenty20 opener David Warner has joined county side Durham for the English domestic Twenty20 Cup.

Warner, 22, will arrive at the Riverside once his Indian Premier League commitments draw to a close at the end of May with the Delhi Daredevils, where he will play alongside Durham and England star Paul Collingwood.

"I've heard great things about Durham and I'm delighted to be joining them later this year," Warner said.

"I enjoy playing Twenty20 cricket and to be brought in especially to play in the UK's domestic competition is a real honour and challenge. I can't wait."

Durham chief executive David Harker branded Warner's signing a "coup".

"His skill in the limited overs format of the game is clear to see and his performances have really caught the attention of the cricketing world," Harker said.

"We are delighted to have him on board and we are sure that he will be a major force in our Twenty20 side."

Warner has an average of 39.66 from three international Twenty20 matches, including a highest score of 89 off 43 balls made on his debut against South Africa.

The New South Welshman has an average of 17.66 from six one-day internationals.

Great news about Warner, I am a fan of his. I think he is the future of Australian Cricket with the excitement he adds to the game. My thoughts flick back to Dean Jones when I watch warner play. A more appropriate description actually would be a cross between Dean Jones and Jonty Rhodes. Atleast England are looking after our young Australian Talent..........

The Teams for the First Test Australia Vs South Africa

Australia - Simon Katich, Phillip Hughes, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Marcus North, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Doug Bollinger, Andrew McDonald.

South Africa - Graeme Smith, Neil McKenzie, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Mark Boucher, Morne Morkel, Paul Harris, Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

Ok so we have the teams for the first Test begining today at the wanderers (see previous posts for details on the wanderers). There is a lot of contention at the moment with the fans about the exclusion of Bryce McGain, especially after his form in the match vs the President XI a few days ago. I am in disbelief over this, why take a specialist spinner and not use him. Australia have gone for a predominantly fast/medium pace attack.

Yes we have ClarkE who can get through a few overs and occasionally pick up some wickets and Marcus North who can bowl his Right arm Off break but realistically speaking what are the selectors thinking. We have seen what happened in Australia when pace was the main weapon, we lost. You need variation and the ability to put concentrated pressure on the batsmen. When you are consistenly having pace thrown at you, you become used to it as proven in the test serious on Aussie soil. Graeme Smith is going to be a handfull again, to his credit he is really good to watch out there. Composed and gets the job done with class, he reminds me of David Boon in his hayday.

I will give credit for the batting line up that Australia has though it does look a lot better, if all cylinders are firing they should post a respectable total. I think they need to knuckle down and grind out some quality innings. The natural flare will show through on the loose balls the South Africans bowl. Especially with Simon Katich who in my mind was the most consistent Australian Batsman for the previous tests against South Africa and a pleasure to watch.

So all I can say is Unlucky Bryce, I hope your in the next test. Do not forget coverage for Aussies begins on Foxsports 3 tonight at 7pm EDT so if your like me and in Brisbane starts at 6pm.

Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oih, Oih ... Oih.

A new system of Review to be tested in Aus Vs Sth Africa Series

As many of you are aware the ICC have been playing around with the rules of the game for some time. Trying to find happy mediums with the current way cricket is played and the new style of players and technology that is available.
In the Australia Vs South Africa VB Test series, they will be trialing a new review system. This system consists of 2 appeals for an umpire's decision to be reviewed per innings. How this works, is that both the batting and bowling team can challenge an umpires decision if the umpires decision is correct then that is strike 1 for whom ever called the challenge. However if the umpire is wrong the team who called it will have that decision overturned and still have their two reviews up there sleeve.
In essence 2 strikes your out of challenges. Certainly makes it fairer for Batsmen who know that they did not get out. I am a little troubled about the LBW rulings, I believe therein lies a problem as it is the umpires judgement of what has occurred and when you start slowing things right down it takes the luck out of it.
I like the idea of these new rules but I believe that its going to be a double edged blade. It will take away from the game the luck aspect, where a player might get away with staying in to bat or in the reverse been given out which in turn wins the match.
I think everyone out there would agree that if its your team that gets the luck, you are very happy and feel its only fair. If you are on the receiving end though you are well and truly gutted and jump up and down about it for a while. Perhaps this review option is the means to an end.

Australia Vs South Africa First Test

Australia Will play South Africa tomorrow being the 26th of Feb 09 in the first of game of a 3 test series. This will as has been well publicised decide the NO 1. Ranked team in the world for Cricket.
Australia are coming of a indifferent summer with glimpses of form, South Africa and confident win over the Aussies on their home soil.
Rest assured this is going to be a battle royal, the Aussies will not give up easily and past teams have been in the same position and come back with amazing results. For mine, I say good Luck Lads and God speed.

For the website viewers, If you have visisted before you will know the lay out has changed. I hope you find the new layout and easy click through players stats an enjoyable experience.

Marcus North The Stats Available

Marcu s North
Born	28 July 1979 (1979-07-28) (age 29)
	Pakenham, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Height	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Batting style	Left-handed
Bowling style	Right-arm off break
Domestic team information
Years	Team
1998 – present	Western Australia
2004	Durham
2005	Lancashire
2006	Derbyshire
2007 – 2008	Gloucestershire
2009 – present	Hampshire
Career statistics
	F-c	LA	T20
Matches	125	126	29
Runs scored	8778	3525	562
Batting average	43.89	33.57	23.41
100s/50s	22/49	5/25	–/1
Top score	239*	134*	59
Balls bowled	7747	2044	365
Wickets	90	57	8
Bowling average	44.46	31.12	52.50
5 wickets in innings	–	–	–
10 wickets in match	–	–	–
Best bowling	4/16	4/26	2/19
Catches/stumpings	98/–	37/–	8/–

Marcus North Has let the light shine

Australia vs the Presidents XI looked to be a disaster, even with Australia managing to get within grasp of the Presidents XI first Innings total. Then came North to the crease with an astounding 6/69 wicket haul, leaving the presidents XI only getting 182 before being dismissed. Australia came into bat with Marcus north getting 50 and Hughes getting 53 both retiring hurt allowing the rest of the team to have a bat. In the end both captains agreed on a draw. Other noteworthy mentions are Doug Bollinger 3/29.
This Leaves Australia with a few options over there and a tentative taste for the fans of whats to come. My only question is what is with all the retired hurts. I thought this was cricket not soccer/football, you cant milk penalties out on the cricket pitch.
Marcus North appears to be a really good find, I will post up any info I can about him shortly hopefully with stats. Hughes managed to get 53 before retiring hurt so again not too shabby, I am warming to this team.
Now its time to plan for the first of the tests vs South Africa at the Wanderers, starting on the 26th of Feb 09. As I said previously this can be watched by Aussie Viewers on FoxSports 3.
The thing here that I am now looking at is that the batting line up for Australia is actually not looking that bad if the players showing form are included. Here is how I look at it
1. Hughes
2. Katich
3. Pointing
4. ClarkE
5. Hussey
6. Haddin
7. North
8. Johnston
9. Macdonald
10. McGain
11. Hilfenhaus/Bollinger
Pretty strong Grouping if you ask me with a decent attack format for bowling. Interesting to see whom the bowlers are that they pick.

Update on The Aussies Vs the SA Presidents XI

<<<-------- Is a competitive Aussie Team a thing of the Past.>>>>>>

Let us start with the bad news shall we Simon Katich had retired hurt after blasting his way to 124 which is not a surprise the score as he was consistently the best during the Australian Summer for batting and should have been in the one day side. Let us hope that his injury is not serious and that he will recover very quickly.
Hughes out for 24 so much for that rap. May aswell have stuck with Dave Warner atleast he was exciting to watch.
The Australian's at stumps were 4/360 still trailing the XI, Pointing did his share with a knock of 93 and other notables were Marcus North who is not out on 52 (Nice one son).
Now I know people will think that I am being harsh on Hughes, I disagree totally. Its not Hughes I would be having a go at its the Selectors. They should have stuck with the talent they had already tested and perhaps on these games before the tests, thrown the others in and rested the big guns such as Katich and Pointing and Hussey. Obviously ClarkE needs the time to get himself sorted, I am sure the Big guns would have liked to have some down time to prepare for the tests.
I Guess you can say that Hilfenhaus, Siddle and McGain were the best for the Aussie bowlers,
the Presidents XI the best bowler was Imran Tahir with 2/92 of 18.
Yes it was good that the Aussies had a good wack but again it came from 2 of the senior players. I dread the day that they retire what will we as Australians have left the way the selectors are going it will be a medioca bunch indeed. Or if not medioca the players will be sick of YO-YO and just say no to playing for Aus. Instead the will go overseas and play for big dollars.

My Caption next to the picture relates to the fact that the stars of the Aussie side shone for this game and the future did not. I love my Aussie cricket side so do not get me wrong. I have still got some faith the future will live up to selectors decision to choose them, although that faith is dwindling. I must Give Marcus North Credit though Well done.

Are the Omen's Bad For the Aussies or What?

Ok the first Match of the South African Tour, this was meant to be a test vs a South African A side. At the last moment due to the climax of the Pro20 competition this was changed to a Presidents 11.
At stumps on day one the score was 5/393. That is a huge first day score although the wickets have fallen the fourth wicket fell at 4/202 then the next 107 runs later.
McGain has managed to get 2 wickets, lucky he managed to get over there. With Siddle, Hilfenhaus and MacDonald each getting one each.
The big scores for the presidents XI were Imraan Khan with 100 even, and Kuhn who was unbeaten on 95 at stumps. The Presidents XI all hit double figures in batting and two were just shy of half centuries. If this is what Australia is up against come the Tests vs South Africa I can only say that we are in trouble. I will say this though that it will not be the players fault it will be the selectors. I do not think anyone thought the people actually on the tour would be on it other than the notables who are senior players.
I will reserve judgement until the Aussies have batted and finalised their bowling. Where the hell is Nathan Bracken for one. Is there something I do not know about that prevents him from going on over seas tours? Apart from the poor judgement of the selectors.
Phil Hughes will get his chance to impress with the bat lets see if he is up to the challenge. Michael Clarke is not in the game vs the presidents XI he has been rested or unable so he can play in the test match vs South Africa. Are we that short on players we need to rest hurt ones to come and play for us on the test Arena????

Pointing Cans IPL, Dave Hussey undecided.

Ricky Pointing has stated that he will not be playing for the knightriders in the IPL this season. He wants to concentrate on the international commitments he has at the moment and have a 2 week break in the run up to the Ashes. To tell you the truth I can't blame him, really they have an absolutely hectic schedule and Punter has a very young child that would love to spend time with him.

David Hussey has stated that he is undecided as of yet whether he will be playing in the IPL. He is trying his butt off at the moment to play well in the last 3 shield match games of the season to try and impress selectors. So he can be selected to represent Australia against South Africa in the one day games. His ultimate goal is to play in the Ashes series.
I do not think that he has shown enough form to play in the longer form of the game. Although to his credit he did sort of try and play a test innings in the last Twenty20 game.
Where have all the greats gone........................................................................................

Andrew Symonds back in the hunt

Andrew Symonds has had a steady recovery from a knee operation that kept him out of the third test vs South Africa. He has played a few matches one he had to retire from after only bowling two overs. The cricket Australia Doctor stated that Symonds had pinched some inflammed tissue in his knee but was recovering well and this small issue should not delay his return or recovery.
He will play on the domestic front for the time being and if he should show form as we all want him to, I dare say we should see him at the international level again very soon. Perhaps not the test side for South Africa but the twenty20 world cup is a possibility as is The Ashes squad if he is well and playing up to his standard.
On the Ashes front it is looking better with Brett Lee more than likely going to be available, now Symonds. Shaun Marsh I will find out about, he is young though and should recover fairly quickly. Then we have Stuart Clark who had a set back with his elbow, hopefully we will see him return soon. That gives us some big guns back to complement the current arsenal.

Paying Post A Finer Touch In Internet Advertising

There are many types of companies that Advertise on the Internet that you can Earn Money, a lot of these lead you in never ending circles of affiliation. You go from one web page to another and so on. There are also the survey based web pages that if your like me you get bombarded with in your junk mail box. Finding a company who's website was practical and easy use, that actually reward you for your time is like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack and in comparisons the Internet is one very big hay stack.
I came across Paying Post through trial and tribulation and have found that not only is their web site straight forward and honest it actually rewards you, by you getting paid to blog.
That's right you get paid to write about certain criteria that you choose and the best thing about you choosing, you can relate it back to content of your site. Thus improving your own content and earning money at the same time.
Blogging is something you do because you love it, advertising in your blog is just common sense. Its like playing a sport you are good at and having a sponsor on your shirt. Earning money through your blog enables you in time to spend more time on your blog.
You can also have a banner for Paying post such as the one above that can earn you revenue either by new members joining or by advertisers seeing the banner and contacting Paying Post. As you can see its not intrusive can be placed easily and left to generate income, whilst you get on with your blog and earn money yourself as well as get your view on your topic out there.

THE SITE OF ROUND ONE OR THE FIRST TEST ON SOUTH AFRICA'S HOME TURF BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND SOUTH AFRICA

New Wanderers
South Africa
Ground information
Location	Sandton, Illovo, Johannesburg
Seating capacity	34,000[1]
End names	Corlett Drive End Golf Course End
International information
First Test	24 December 1956: South Africa v England
Last Test	8 November 2007: South Africa v New Zealand
First ODI	13 December 1992: South Africa v India
Last ODI	14 February 2007: South Africa v Pakistan
Domestic team information
Years	Team
1956 – present	Transvaal now known as Highveld Lions

This is the site of D-Day for The Australian Test Cricket Team. Starting on the 26th of February 2009. The first Test in South Africa where the end result of the 3 test series will decide the fate of whom will be the No 1 side in the world for Test Cricket. Currently Australia hold that honour but only by a very slim margin, South Africa rating a very very close second.
As I have mentioned in an earlier post, for Australian viewers who cant be in South Africa to support our lads. Fox sports 3 will be televising the 3 match test series. There will be as usual live footage where you will be up from 7pm till 3am in the morning dependant on what state your in, also the replays at a more convenient hour for the non nocturnal creatures.
I will be a nocturnal creature for the test series and will post up match details and wrap up of days play. I will not post the score in the heading for those that don't want to know it but just want a quick goss up.

Where you can watch Australia Vs South Africa

Ok for one and all I have called channel 9 and they say that they are not showing any more cricket until the next summer season. The only place that I know you can watch the TEST SERIES BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND SOUTH AFRICA IS ON FOX SPORTS 3.
Thats on the 26th of February thank god for that. I was thinking some how I had to get skysport on aswell just to be able to watch this test. Shame really that channel 9 have not gone out there to even show a replay oh well.

Eye of The Tiger or mewling kittens

Ricky Pointings Comments on the Eve of Departure to South Africa.

"We've all faced some challenges in the past - coming back from the Ashes in 2005 having lost there and steeling ourselves for the Ashes in Australia was one of the biggest moments of my career - and this one is certainly going to rank up there alongside that as well.

"Having come off a slightly disappointing Australian summer, going to play a very, very good team, we all know what we need to do.

"It's a matter of doing it when we need to do it. I'm ultra-excited about the challenge and playing against the number two ranked Test team in the world for three Test matches on their soil is the reason that we play, probably.

"I've been around a long time and played a lot of games, but this will be as big a series as any I've played in."

"Although it was a 2-1 result to them I felt that we were right in every game up until the last ball was bowled. If we can do that again while we are over there and have little things go our way a little bit more than they did in Australia, then there's no reason why we can't win this series.

"That's the way I'm looking at it. I'm excited about this group of players. I'm excited about their best cricket and if we can put our best cricket on the park then I know we are going to be ultra competitive every time we play."

This is perhaps the biggest test to Australian Cricket in a long time. Yes they have lost games before but never have they been quite so convincingly beaten on home soil from my memory. Its time to return the favour to the Proteas. I just hope that we have enough amunition to do the job. I know a lot of the cricket fans will be considering the Ashes as the ultimate competition but Australia is ranked No 1. and South Africa No 2. by the ICC for Test teams. This series will decide who is the best of the best. Who is top gun, top dog, whatever else you want to add. My fear is quite evident in my blog about the side picked to tour. I know it can be changed but I am worried that Australia is going to be humiliated.

The Series Gets underway at the Wanderers on February 26. It will be covered by sky sports any listings for Aussie viewers be it Channel 9 or Foxsports I will post. Good luck lads.

I wonder how the inform New Zealand side would go against the South African's hmmmm that will be interesting when it occurs.

NOW THE WAIT BEGINS

To all the Cricket fans we wait, Australia is on its way to South Africa. Ricky Pointing is optimistic about chances in South Africa. Graeme Smith has heated things up with his return to cricket from a broken hand. In my opinion we have picked a side under equiped to face an inform South Africa. Yet to be proven I know. Look at it from this angle we have greats that we can pick that can do the job that are reliable in cricket that just need the faith of the team and selectors, such as Andy Symonds, Brad Hodge and some new talent such as David warner. There are a lot of matches to come. We always have faith when the greats loose their form to come back. Why not the reverse, to be great you need time and a baptism in fire that you show your true colours. Get the young ones over there. There used to be a statement that held to about Australians and that was we were battlers. The Australian side at the moment is lack luster and boring. No one can deny it. When we get some one like the old Dean Jones, Michael Bevan and Stephen Waugh at his best we are on the edge of our seats, drinks go unnoticed even speech is an effort other than Yelling. Bring back the buzz selectors get the ones that can hit and are exciting in the field back. Not just the I will plod and get the job done.
THERE IS TOO MUCH TIME SPENT ON HOW OUR PLAYERS LOOK IN THE EYES OF THE PRESS RATHER THAN WHAT THEY ARE ABLE TO DO FOR US ON THE PLAYING FIELD. THE RUGBY LEAGUE HAD IT RIGHT BRING BACK THE BIFF. BRING BACK THE AUSSIE FIGHTING SPIRIT. WHO CARES WHAT GOES ON OFF THE FIELD WHEN THEY CAN DAZZLE US ON IT.

Medioka Batting result vs Brilliant Bowling Gets Aussies home in Twenty20 v NZ

Australia won by one run by reaching a total of 7/150. The Last ball was a four hit by James Hopes who had a lot to do when he got out there. Brad Haddin came out and blasted 15 from 10 balls and The little Dynamo Dave Warner hit 23 runs from 15 deliveries before getting out. This set Australia a great platform to work from and get on and post a high score.
This was not to be with David Hussey plodding along for a very long time just with singles. Understandably the Kiwi bowling was very good, my belief though is that David Hussey has not proven that he should be in the Australian teams. His battling average is not fantastic yes he is good in the field and gets through some overs quickly in bowling but surely there are others that can do this and perform better with the bat. There seems to be sentimentality with the selectors due to the fact his brother is in the side. You see that he lost form for a very long time and still has not posted a great score that would reaffirm what is in the back of everyones mind, that should he be dropped not rested.
I really like Mike Hussey in the Aussie one day side, in so saying its time to show some better form than we have seen.
Cameron White came out and played well for a quick fire 16. With voges contributing 26. Yes I know that Dave Hussey got 41 and the highest of all but that was from 39 balls and in twenty20 thats less than a 100% strike rate is just not good enough especially when he came in at number 4.
The Kiwis came out and McCullum played a tame innings going for longevity rather than thrash and scored 61 before getting out from an absolutely amazing catch by Adam Voges. Who caught the ball right on the ropes, had to through the ball in the air as he was going to fall over the rope. Got up to run and catch the ball, slipped on the advertising padding and had to dive to recover the ball. Smart cricket and a real one for the classic catches, Well done Voges.
From there lets look at the bowling, Dave Hussey was tight and quick as per usual. James Hopes good but again was expensive when we needed him to be tight, unfortunate is some regards with the shots that McCullum managed to get away. Ben Hilfenhaus well he got carted a bit then from nowhere pulled out some absolutely brilliant bowling and having to bowl the second last over went for bugger all. Leaving it up to Bracken who up until the final over had figures of 3 overs 1 Maiden and 10 runs. The last over cost I think 13 runs leaving Australia winning by one. It was in reality all over after the 4th ball in the over with was Nz needing 12 to win got nothing. The second last ball a four was hit and the last ball did not matter even though McCullums brother a new addition to the Nz side hit a six from it. Well done to the Aussie boys with special mention to Dave Warner in the field and Adam Voges the Catch and a decent batting episode, Peter Siddle was really good with the ball and deserves a spot in the one day side. Last but not least to Nathan Bracken with a brilliant Man of the Match display in bowling and for the funny back and forth between him and the commentators well worth the watch.
Now its time to look to the South Africa Tour. For those interested I do not know if it will be televised the greats of cricket are putting on a charity twenty20 match with Steve Waugh leading one side and Mark Tubby Taylor the other should be good for one and all this Friday at the SCG. I assume the timing will be the same for starting. If it is to be televised I will post those details for Aussie viewers on here, sorry international peeps do not know if it will be shown overseas. Will do a match report though if I can get to watch it.

Breaking News On Brett Lee, Increases Aussie's optimism for Ashes.

Ashes boost for Australia with fast bowler Brett Lee set for early return

By Peter Badel
February 15, 2009

AUSTRALIA'S preparations for the Ashes have received a big boost with strike bowler Brett Lee on course to make an early comeback in the one-day series against Pakistan.

The 32-year-old, sidelined with stress fractures in his foot, was initially expected to return for the World Twenty20, to be held in England in June.

But Lee's rehabilitation is ahead of schedule, with the quick planning to run in the next fortnight - and to be bowling by mid-March - after having a surgical boot removed last week.

Should Lee not be available for the Pakistan series, starting late April, he will be encouraged by Cricket Australia to roll his arm over in the latter stages of the Indian Premier League.

"The good news is the healing is two weeks ahead of schedule. There's no need to rush Brett, but it looks like he will be available for selection for the Pakistan one-dayers, that's the target," Lee's agent Neil Maxwell said.

"It's better than where he should be and Brett is really pumped. The most encouraging sign is that he said to me the other day, 'I've never been more excited about playing cricket'."

CA physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said Lee could benefit with a stint in the IPL, which concludes two weeks after Australia's five-match series against Pakistan.

"Brett might play in the IPL because it might fit in with our time frame," he said.

"To be honest, we'd probably like him to play the latter part of the IPL because it will give him some cricket before he plays in the World Cup.

"He's going really well. I saw him last week and he's making good progress.

"At the moment, he's doing a lot of strength work and he will be cleared to start running in a couple of weeks."

All I can say on the above article is You Bloody Beauty!!!!!!!!!!!!

Australia Vs New Zealand Twenty20 Today

Today Aus play Nz in a twenty20 match. Details of match and players will be posted shortly along with times for showing and any other relevant info.