Bell (left) scored 69 in the tied game with India last Sunday

1930 GMT: Australia have rebuffed reports from the Press Trust of India news agency claiming that the International Cricket Council's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit were looking into Australia's slow start during their game against Zimbabwe in Islamabad - where they were 5-0 after two overs and 28-0 after 10. "It's the most ludicrous thing I've ever heard in my life," said team manager Steve Bernard, while opener Brad Haddin described it as "a quite laughable story - a joke. We just got off the mark a bit slowly." Australia went on to score 262-6 and win by 91 runs.
Full story: Cricinfo

England's Ian Bell has hailed the influence of batting coach Graham Gooch, saying he'd wished he'd worked with the former Test opener earlier in his career. "He is just an incredible guy who adds a lot of experience and knowledge into our group and the way he played in World Cups in the past in the sub-continent, the experience he passes on to us is really important," said Bell. (AFP)

Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan - Test cricket's record wicket taker - has pulled out of plans to mentor young spin bowlers in Australia. The 38-year-old had been due to coach at the Brisbane-based Australia Centre of Excellence in June but has now decided to play Twenty20 cricket in India and England.
Full story: Sydney Daily Telegraph

Ireland's World Cup cricketers have agreed to undergo a charity makeover ahead of tomorrow's group B match with England. Members of the Irish squad will take part in 'Shave or Dye 2011', a campaign in aid of Irish Cancer Society which is bidding to raise one million euros through a number of similar events in the coming weeks. Players can choose to either shave their head or dye their hair green. (PA)

The Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS) may have its critics but Bangladesh players say it helps in winning mind games even if the appeal is rejected. "You can always make the batsman nervous," said seam bowler Shafiul Islam. (AFP)

Pakistan pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar says the "hurt" suffered by his side during the last year due to the spot-fixing controversy can spur them on in the World Cup. "We are a hurt side," said Shoaib. "Now, we are here to hurt others."
Full story: Times of India

West Indies bowler Kemar Roach - who took a hat-trick in the 215-run win over the Netherlands on Monday - says his side have nothing to fear when they face Bangladesh on Friday, despite the Tigers being above them in the current one-day rankings. "We'll go there on a high," said Roach. "Bangladesh are an improving team but we are better than them." (AFP)

West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels has claimed he declined an invitation from selectors to play in the World Cup as replacement for the injured Dwayne Bravo. The 30-year-old says he refused the offer because he does not believe he is ready for one-day internationals. "I want to say thanks to the regional selectors for sitting down and thinking about selecting me for the World Cup," said Samuels. "But as I had said in interviews before the start of the tournament, I want to at this moment focus on four-day and not one-day cricket."
Full story: Jamaica Gleaner

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