Atherton recalled
England called up Michael Atherton and Graeme Hick today to add experience to their batting order for the third Test against New Zealand, which starts at Old Trafford on Thursday. England named injured captain Nasser Hussain but are keeping Mark Butcher on stand-by to take charge if the Essex batsman is unfit.

Sachin improved
Former Indian captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has said that there would be no magic formula for Sachin Tendulkar in his second stint as captain. In an interview to a local eveninger, Gavaskar said it will be important for Sachin to look after the fringe players. Giving them that feeling of belonging is important because there is where the future of Indian cricket lies.

Bruijn's record
Holland's Inge De Bruijn set a European record of 24.84 seconds in her 50-metre freestyle semifinal yesterday, the fifth time she has broken a record at the 24th European Swimming Championships. She lowered her own mark of 24.88, set last month. Earlier in the day, she set a championship record in the same event.

A conspiracy
Pakistan wicketkeeper Moin Khan has dismissed betting and match-fixing allegations against the cricketers and has charged that there was a "particular lobby" trying "to defame the Pakistani team". Moin Khan, tipped to succeed Wasim Akram as skipper, said the allegations in the wake of Pakistan's defeat in the World Cup final had "demoralised the players".