1.   Pakistan omitted experienced batsmen Salim Malik and Aamir Sohail from its World Cup cricket squad announced Saturday.

2.   England dropped experienced opening batsman Nick Knight and opted to open with the in-form Nasser Hussain and named a four-pronged seam and swing attack.

3.   Experienced left handed batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul has been ruled out with a back strain.

4.   Experienced batsman Dave Houghton and paceman Heath Streak are nursing fractures to hand bones but are likely to play.

5.   India offered wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra his first international cap while England suffered a setback before the start of play when its most experienced batsman Graham Thorpe reported sick.

6.   India included debutante wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra his side while England suffered a setback before the start of play when its most experienced batsman Graham Thorpe reported sick.

7.   Pace bowler Paul Reiffel and experienced batsman Steve Waugh also return to the test team after being sidelined by injuries.

8.   Sri Lanka, who left out experienced batsman Roshan Mahanama, needed to score just over four runs an over to win the match.

9.   The experienced batsmen Aravinda de Silva and Hashan Tillekeratne will return home after the third test against England starting at Old Trafford Thursday.

10.   World champions Sri Lanka, who left out experienced batsman Roshan Mahanama, need to score just over four runs an over to win the match.