Easy call for new Black Caps coach

John Wright, the former New Zealand batsman, said yesterday it was not a difficult decision to take over as coach of the national team. Wright was given just 36 hours to make the call. "My appointment was very sudden and unexpected," the ex-India coach said. "But it wasn't that difficult a choice."

Yousuf to play cricket in Bangladesh

Mohammad Yousuf, the 36-year-old Pakistan batsman, will play for Mohammedan Sporting, a Bangladesh club. The 90-Test veteran who was overlooked by national selectors on Pakistan's tour of New Zealand, said: "I have no idea about the competition [in Bangladesh] but you know cricket is cricket."

McCullum likely to miss Twenty20s

Brendon McCullum's back injury has flared up again and the New Zealand batsman is likely to miss the first two Twenty20 internationals against visiting Pakistan. McCullum had injured his back during their forgettable tour of India last month. The Black Caps will also be without Daniel Vettori, their captain.