Paceman Brett Lee staked a massive claim to be part of the Australia side for the first Ashes Test with a devastating spell against England Lions.

James Anderson signalled his determination to secure a key role in the Ashes with a timely display for England to help them take control of their warm-up match against Warwickshire.

England’s day two star James Anderson heaped praise on fellow wicket-takers Andrew Flintoff and Monty Panesar as he reflected on an encouraging team performance at a sun-drenched Edgbaston.

Stephen Moore saluted the England selectors for keeping faith in his ability after scoring a century for the Lions against Australia at New Road.

Kent’s decision to give the new ball to former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood reaped three late wickets and left LV= County Championship Division Two leaders Gloucestershire facing a last-day defeat in Beckenham.

Surrey’s Mark Ramprakash underlined his status as the most successful batsman the LV= County Championship has seen by continuing his remarkable assault on former club Middlesex.

Brett Lee stakes a claim to be part of the Australian side for the first Ashes Test with a devastating spell against the England Lions. Stephen Moore initially dominates the second day with a century but Lee alters the complexion of the game with a five-wicket burst to reduce the Lions to 297-6.

James Anderson signals his determination to play a key role in the Ashes with a timely display for England to help them take control of their warm-up match against Warwickshire. Bowling their opponents out for 102 with five wickets from Anderson, England reach 185-2 in the second innings.

James Anderson takes a five-wicket haul against Warwickshire to put England in control after day two of their three-day Ashes warm-up match.

Brett Lee takes five wickets but England Lions hit 302-6 replying to Australia's 358 at Worcester.

Nottinghamshire's England internationals are relishing the prospect of facing Australia in the upcoming Ashes series.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has fined pace bowler Mohammad Asif £6,250 for bringing Pakistan into disrepute, after he was detained in Dubai last year for possessing opium. Asif will still be considered for selection for the Champions Trophy in South Africa starting on September 24.

Steve Harmison says Australia lack the swagger of their illustrious predecessors, with the Ashes series just days away.

A photo history of one of sport's greatest rivalries

Despite determined 124 from opener Alastair Cook on opening day of three-day match against Warwickshire at Edgbaston, England fail to build and declare on 290 for eight before Warwickshire reach 31 for one in reply.

Mike Hussey makes 143 not out on first day of four-day tour match against England Lions at New Road as Australia reach 337 for eight at stumps.

Former Ashes-winning captain Mike Gatting believes Andrew Strauss has what it takes to lead England to victory over the Aussies this summer.

Australia will play a seven-match one-day international series in India in October and November. The matches will be played at Guwahati, New Delhi, Mumbai, Mohali, Hyderabad, Nagpur and Jaipur.