Lahore, Dec. 6 : The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Chief Operating Officer (COO) Saleem Altaf has said that Pakistan is preparing for next month’s series against India despite doubts being raised about it being held in the wake of last week’s terror attacks in Mumbai.

Altaf said that cricket officials are making all possible arrangements to ensure a successful series.

From giving a comprehensive facelift to the venues involved to getting solid assurances from the authorities over security arrangements for the visitors, Pakistan are trying to ensure that they are fully ready for the series, reports The News.

Sydney, Dec. 6 : The Australian cricket selectors are under fire for treating New South Wales wrist spinner Beau Casson poorly.

Casson has been reduced to a Sydney club bowler only months after reaching an intoxicating high of becoming Australia''s 401st Test player in Barbados.

Casson, 25, is confused and struggling to deal with being passed over for Bryce McGain, Cameron White, Jason Krejza and Nathan Hauritz as Australia makes some inexplicable spin selections.

Earlier this year, Casson was being hailed as the answer to Australia''s great spin debate but the confidence of the sensitive youngster has been battered so badly he has just 1-304 from five first-class matches for NSW this season.

South African fast bowler Dale Steyn likes to use tissues, coasters and utility bills to scribble down the technical flaws of opposing batsmen, working out bowling strategies, field settings and other annotations.

If you happen to be invited to his home, you may find him scurrying from floor to floor with the frazzled demeanour of a mad scientist, collating random scraps of paper and stuffing them into a suitcase,” The Age reports.

It is these notes, after all, that represent Steyn''s two-year analysis of the Australian batting line-up, charting everything from trigger movements to temperament.

But with no filing system to speak of, Steyn is having trouble locating them in the days before the Proteas'' departure for Perth.

Sydney, Dec. 6 : Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has said that his team must take all steps to stop Proteas skipper Graeme Smith from enjoying a run feast during the summer Test series.

Watson believes that he has Smith’s number, having watched and played with him during the Indian Premier League for the Shane Warne-led Rajasthan Royals.

He is almost a certain inclusion in the Australian squad for the first Test against South Africa in Perth that begins from December 17.

Watson said last night that getting on top of Smith would be the key to Australia winning the blockbuster three-Test series.

Lahore, Dec. 6 : Suspended Pakistani pace bowler Mohammad Asif broke down in tears on television, while apologizing for his alleged dope charges.

Asif admitted he had shamed himself and let down his supporters and Pakistan cricket.

“My behaviour has not been perfect and I have made mistake after mistake. I am sorry for that to the nation,” Asif admitted.

Mohammad Asif is also facing a disciplinary action for spending 19 days in police custody in Dubai for possession of a banned substance (opium) in June this year.

Abu Dhabi (UAE), Dec. 6 : The England cricket team has arrived in Abu Dhabi for a practice session over the weekend, at the end of which, a decision will be taken on whether to tour or not to tour India.

Kevin Pietersen and company checked into their Abu Dhabi hotel at 4.15 a. m. on Friday, and just nine hours later, the players were in the nets preparing for the return to India.

According to The Sun, England’s white Test kit and equipment is currently in Baroda, where a practice match was originally scheduled for yesterday.