Potchefstroom (South Africa), Feb. 20: Former South African captain Kepler Wessels feels that Australia should consider handing batsman-off-spinner Marcus North his Test debut in place of bowling all-rounder Andrew McDonald in next week''s first Test against South Africa in Johannesburg.

Wessels believes it is vital for the tourists to play six specialist batsmen against the much vaunted South African pace attack led by Dale Steyn, as he expects conditions to favour fast bowlers.

Potchefstroom, Feb. 20 (ANI): Australia's cricket captain Ricky Ponting has ruled himself out of the Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition this year, saying that he would prefer to devote his time to Australia.

Ponting said that he had conveyed his decision to the management of his IPL franchise Kolkata Knightriders. He said that the latter have accepted his decision and also his commitment to appear for side in the 2010 edition of the tournament.

Potchestroom (South Africa), Feb. 19 : Australia leg-spinner Bryce McGain appears to have escaped any major punishment for missing a team flight, although coach Tim Nielsen shed little light on the situation.

McGain''s disciplinary lapse has been dealt with "internally" and Nielsen has declared the case closed, without revealing if any penalty was handed out.

The uncapped McGain, 36, missed the Australian cricket team''s flight to Johannesburg for the Test tour of South Africa on Monday, reports Fox Sports.

Lahore, Feb. 19: The Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ijaz Butt has claimed that there would be no security issues in Pakistan, and the venue of the World Cup 2011 will not be changed.

According to The News, the PBC chairman said that the mega event would definitely be held in Pakistan, and its venue would not be changed.

New Delhi, Feb 19: Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin is all set to join the Congress Party.

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Veerrappa Moily, in an interview to Times Now declared on Thursday that Azharuddin would be given primary membership in the party.

However, they are still to decide the constituency from where he will contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Mumbai, Feb 19 : Members of the Indian cricket team left for New Zealand on Thursday morning to play five one-day matches and two Twenty20 matches.

Indian coach Gary Kirsten said on Wednesday that India is not worried about conditions in New Zealand.

"It''s exciting that we have got young cricketers and some real experienced players as well. I know how to plan any conditions against any competition. We are not really concerned about the condition. We will go and assess it and build our plans and do our preparation accordingly," said Kirsten.