Sydney, Jan. 14 : Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle has been ruled out of the one-day series against South Africa with a stress fracture in his foot.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Queensland swing bowler Ryan Harris has replaced Siddle for the first two matches in the five-game series.

Twenty20 sensation David Warner is also poised to be a late inclusion in the one-day squad with vice-captain Michael Clarke in doubt with a thumb injury.

Islamabad, Jan 14 : Pakistani politicians have demanded an investigation into fast bowler Mohammad Asif's detention in the United Arab Emirates last year for possessing a small amount of opium.

Asif was caught at Dubai Airport on June 1, 2007, after being caught with 0.24 grams of opium on his way back to Pakistan after playing in the Indian Premier League. He was detained for 19 days before being deported.

Melbourne, Jan. 14 : Wrist bands have been added to the police armoury in an attempt to stop underage drinking during cricket matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Fans who want a cold one at Friday's One Day International will have to produce photo ID and collect a wristband as part of the new ystem being introduced to prevent underage drinking.

According to the Herald Sun, there will be eight wristbands booths at the MCG. It is hoped the new system will assist staff in establishing proof of age, and means patrons will no longer have to produce ID every time they want to purchase alcohol at the bar.

Islamabad, Jan 14: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt has said that the Board is on the verge of bankruptcy due to the "wrong policies" of his predecessor, Dr. Nasim Ashraf.

Ijaz was summoned by the Pakistan Senate Committee on Sports to explain the controversy of "illegal appointments"' and "unnecessary sackings" of lower grade employees in the PCB, The News reported.

Sensational Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis has become the fastest bowler to take 50 wickets in one-day internationals as Sri Lanka crushed Zimbabwe by 130 runs in their first match of the tri-series tournament in Dhaka.

Set to score a reserved 211 for victory, Zimbabwe were all out for 80 in 28.2 overs with just Stuart Matsikenyeri reaching double figures.

Mendis took three for 15, finishing his 50-wicket haul in his 19th ODI and enhancing the record of India's Ajit Agarkar, who took 23 matches to reach the landmark.

Melbourne, Jan 13: Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith has hailed Matthew Hayden as being among country's top three left-handers, following his retirement.

The minister paid tribute to Hayden who announced his retirement today, saying the 37-year-old was "a great Australian," and added that Hayden could count himself among select company, the Herald Sun reported.