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.

Sydney, Dec. 6: Australian opener and New South Wales captain Simon Katich believes that Ricky Ponting will opt for a spinning option during the first Test against South Africa to be played at the WACA in Perth from December 17.

"Generally in the past we have played a spinner in Perth. Whether it''s been Stuey MacGill, Beau Casson or Nathan Hauritz. Whoever it is, we generally like to play one as it adds balance to the attack," news. com. au quoted Katich, as saying.

Melbourne, Dec. 6 : Believe it or not, Australia’s cricketers get paid 672 dollars for every single that they score, or every wicket that they snare.

Which suggests that their demand for a review of pay and conditions virtually borders on the ridiculous.

Even if they just turn up for a game, they earn up to 14,000 dollars, reports news. com. au.

Sydney, Dec. 5: Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting says his side deserves the number one ranking in Test cricket even if South Africa defeats them this month.

"It has taken us a long time and a lot of great wins in different conditions around the world to get us to that No. 1 spot," Fox Sports quoted Ponting, as saying on Thursday.