James Pattinson, the Australia fast bowler, has said he is recovering well from a back injury that ruled him out midway through the tour of the West Indies last month.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has shortlisted the United Arab Emirates and three other countries to host its ODI and Twenty20 series against Australia later this year.

Pakistan are searching for alternate venues for their limited-overs series against Australia later this year after Sri Lanka backed out of hosting it. The Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) is scheduled to be held in August, clashing with the dates of the proposed Pakistan-Australia series.

Paceman Mitchell Johnson, recalled this week to the Australian team, revealed on Friday he had lost his love of cricket and a foot injury this year probably saved him from quitting the game.

Paceman Mitchell Johnson, recalled this week to the Australian team, revealed on Friday he had lost his love of cricket and a foot injury this year probably saved him from quitting the game.

Craig McDermott has quit as bowling coach of the Australian team, citing the conflicting demands of constant touring with family life, Cricket Australia said on Friday.

Australia left-arm quick Mitchell Starc has been deported from Britain, with visa problems preventing him from making his debut for English county Yorkshire on Wednesday.

Australia have pushed India to fourth place in the ICC Test championship table after winning the three-match series against the West Indies 2-0.

Mitchell Johnson, the Australia allrounder, has been ruled out of this year's IPL as he has not yet recovered from a surgery on his big toe. Johnson had been bought by Mumbai Indians for $300,000 in the February player auction. A team spokesperson confirmed his unavailability.

Michael Clarke celebrated a year in charge of Australia with a 75-run victory over West Indies in the third and final Test, but insisted his team is far from the finished article.