The Surfer

A common theme in Australia’s Saturday papers was the disappointing MCG crowd of just over 38,000 for the first CB Series final, and what that means for the tri-series concept

Surprisingly there are many encouraging aspects to emerge from the debris of New Zealand's tri-series campaign, says Richard Boock in The New Zealand Herald .

Bangladesh's Daily Star carries a report of a remarkable match in which players were chased by spectators and beaten up, the stumps were stolen and the riot police were summoned to restore order

"The England cricket team," writes Simon Barnes in The Times , "are in the position of a person who charges back into a burning house to rescue the baby and comes out with the cat."

It's not a comeback and it's not even a testimonial, but Shane Warne is likely to play in a charity match at the MCG this month after farewelling the ground at the Boxing Day Test

No openers, no fit fast bowlers, an out-of-sorts keeper, too many allrounders, not enough in form, two crushing defeats; with the World Cup just over a month away does anyone in Pakistan know what their ideal XI will be, asks former captain Asif

In a interview Ponting admitted that he could not understand why England selected Geraint Jones and Ashley Giles ahead of Chris Read and Monty Panesar for the first Test in Brisbane

GS Vivek writes in the Indian Express about how ill-treated seniors in the Delhi side are ready to pack bags and migrate to other states.

Jacob Oram - back from injury - has had a great CB series averaging 241 from the first three matches

Peter Roebuck writes in the Sydney Morning Herald about how Australia have dealt with the challenges they asked for from New Zealand and England.

Stephen Corby recounts in Sydney's Daily Telegraph how cricketers have to deal with adoration of the public - often drunk and full of tales of third grade cricket.

Dilip Vengsarkar, the chairman of selectors, talks to Chandresh Narayanan, of Times of India , about bench strength, lack of quality spinners , Ranji Trophy format and more.

During the Ashes it was said that the fun police were out in force but Cricket Australia’s latest edict takes things a step further

The Courier-Mail’s editorial focuses on Cricket Australia forcing Queensland Cricket to drop a sponsor’s signage or give up international games at the Gabba.

Robert Craddock writes in the Courier-Mail all successful teams are accused of being arrogant .