It has been learnt recently that the rest of the one-day international series with South Africa would not be played by Australia batsman Michael Clarke, as he needs to provide rest to his injured thumb.

Though Clarke had an injury, still he played to score 19 and take 1-29 in Friday's first one-dayer.

It has been further learnt that when the ODI series with New Zealand begins on 1 February, he would resume back to the team.

Friday saw South Africa tasting the nectar of success, when it grabbed on half centuries by Neil McKenzie and Jean-Paul Duminy and also by Albie Morkel, thus defeating Australia by three wickets in the opening ODI of the five-match series.

In order to scamper home with three deliveries to spare in a thrilling contest, South Africa survived a middle-order collapse while chasing 272 for victory.

Before Albie came up with a dazzling cameo, smashing 40 off just 18 balls with four fours and a six, the foundation for South Africa was set by Duminy (71) and McKenzie
(63).

An unshaken 51-run stand was shared by Albie for the eighth wicket with skipper Johan Botha (12) to seal the win.

It has been learnt that the first two One-Day Internationals between India and Sri Lanka on January 28 and 30 would be hosted by the historic city of Dambulla.

It was informed by the top Sri Lanka officials, "The Indian team, expected to arrive in Colombo on January 24, is likely to play first two matches -- day fixtures -- in Dambulla, which is 150 kms from the capital city and known for its cave temples and a sprawling lake."

Karachi, Jan. 17: The cash strapped Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has now been implicated in a new scam in the form of faulty insurance deal resulting in a whopping Rs 60 million loss.

According to The News, PCB's chief operating officer (COO) Saleem Altaf has made allegations against the previous management of the board for being responsible for a shady insurance deal.

Altaf said that former PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf and ex-COO Shafqat Naghmi were involved in the fraud which resulted in a massive loss.

Melbourne, Jan 17 : Sensational batting star David Warner is all set to make his one-day international debut on Sunday against South Africa in Hobart after being called into the squad to replace the rested Michael Clarke.

Warner now gets another chance to impress after smashing 89 off 43 balls on debut for Australia in the Twenty20 victory over South Africa at the MCG.

Vice-captain Clarke encountered pain in his injured thumb during Friday's loss to South Africa and has been rested for two weeks in an attempt to play in ODIs against New Zealand, FOX Sports reported.

Melbourne, Jan 17 : Australian skipper Ricky Ponting believes that a new rule favouring the batting team could be a major tactical advancement in one-day cricket.

The first ODI game between Australia and South Africa at the MCG was the first international Down Under where batting sides could nominate a five-over power play, where only three fielders are permitted outside the infield.