Seeing his arch rival Lalit Modi having lunch alone, RCA secretary Subhash Joshi joins him

One has to pinch oneself before believing it that the photograph (right) has not been tampered with. After all, many eyes literally popped out after seeing Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) president Lalit Modi and secretary Subhash Joshi, sworn enemies, having lunch at the same table on the RCA Cricket Academy premises, on Thursday.

Moreover, the duo also enjoyed some light moments. No wonder, the ‘bonhomie’ led to eyebrows being raised, especially with the RCA elections round the corner.

Karachi, Feb. 27: The first Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka may have ended in a tame draw after batsmen of both teams plundered over1500 runs, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has ruled out launching a enquiry into why a flat pitch was prepared.

PCB chief Ijaz Butt said he had consulted chief pitch curator Agha Zahid, but denied ordering an enquiry into the issue.

"Soon after returning to Lahore, I had a heart-to-heart with him. He has given me a detailed explanation and has assured that there will be a better wicket for the next match," The News quoted Butt, as saying.

Melbourne, Feb 26: South Africa captain Graeme Smith has said that his team aims to follow its recent series win in Australia with a home triumph that will represent a "comprehensive beating" of the world champions.

Speaking on the eve of the first Test which starts at the Wanderers Stadium today, Smith said his players were "relaxed and focused" ahead of the most eagerly anticipated series in South Africa since the country returned to international cricket in 1991.

London, Feb 26 : English skipper Andrew Strauss has insisted that the absence of star all rounder Andrew Flintoff's from the crunch Fourth Test starting today will not damage England's victory chances.

The fact is England win more matches when Flintoff is not in the side and statistics back it, The Sun reported.

"Clearly, we'd love him in the side, but I don't think it affects our chances," Strauss said.

Australia and South Africa are eying the top spot in the ICC Test rankings ahead of the three-Test series, which begins here from today.  

It can be recalled here that Aussie’s are clinging on to the top spot - a position it has held for almost six years - with 126 points.

However, the Proteas, with 121 points, are also not too behind them.

With 118 points, India is placed at third position.  

Former India women's cricket captain Mamatha Maben will coach the Chinese national side for the 2010 Asian Games

 Like the protagonist of the Hindi flick Chandni Chowk to China, Mamatha Maben sees her new China assignment as the start of a new innings.

The popular Karnataka cricketer will be taking over as coach of the Chinese national women's team in the sport known there as Shen shi yun dong. "This is my first major assignment as a coach and I'm looking forward to it. I intend to play alongside the girls there as I am still fit enough to play," Maben said.