LONDON: THE England Cricket Board (ECB) has appointed a five-man committee to draw up a shortlist of suitable replacements for England coach David Lloyd, who is set to resign after the World Cup. Lloyd announced last month, after failing to get a guarantee from the ECB on a contract extension, that he intended to end his three-year tenure after the World Cup. Lloyd has agreed to join BSkyB as a cricket commentator. Former England captains and current selectors Graham Gooch and Mike Gatting were both touted for the job but both have ruled themselves out.

India, Pak cricketing friends: Azhar

EDGBASTON: Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin refused to comment over his country's Kashmir dispute with Pakistan here on Friday but said there would be no spill-over at the World Cup. The Indian captain said: "Who am I to speak on it? We have good relations with Pakistani players. I expect it to stay that way." Tension remains high in both countries following clashes onthe border of the disputed Kashmir region. Two Indian fighter jets crashed on Thursday, at least one of which was shot down. India and Pakistan are both likely to qualify for the second round of the WorldCup and look set to meet in a game between June 4-13.