Corruption in cricket is not widespread, it was claimed today as three Pakistan stars banned from playing over match-fixing allegations were questioned by police.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres' return to full fitness is ahead of schedule but the club's medical staff do not expect him to reach his physical peak for another month.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has warned winger Charles N'Zogbia he has to prove himself to his team-mates after almost leaving last week.

Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Martin O'Neill as Aston Villa manager, it is understood.

Defence Secretary Liam Fox promised "closer co-operation" with the French as military budgets face being squeezed on both sides of the Channel.

Crime could rise if hundreds of police jobs are axed because of the Government's budget cuts, a chief constable has said.

China's Olympic swimming champion Liu Zige will skip November's Asian Games to concentrate on next year's World Championships.

Bulgarian champions Litex Lovech appoint Luboslav Penev as their new head coach.

Corruption is not Pakistan's sole preserve, quick money threatens to lure young cricketers elsewhere too

Some pull to make a statement, one pushes meekly. One's feet resemble Johhnie Walker's, another needs to stop resembling others

Over the last four decades, England's No.3 has been the poorest among the top sides. Jonathan Trott has the opportunity to put an end to that trend

The loser of Friday night's Geelong-St Kilda qualifying final may have to play at Etihad Stadium, the AFL announces.

Wallabies medical staff are confident star centre Matt Giteau is in no doubt for this weekend's Tri-Nations Test against South Africa after he rolled his ankle at training.

Santos 2-1 Avai; Sao Paulo 2-1 Goianense

Second round: 13-Juergen Melzer (Aut) beat Ricardas Berankis (Lth) 6-4 6-7(4) 6-3 1-6 7-5; 22-Juan Carlos Ferrero (Esp) beat Ricardo Mello (Bra) 6-1 6-4 6-4; James Blake (US) beat Peter Polansky (Can) 6-7(1) 6-3 6-2 6-4; 3-Novak Djokovic (Srb) beat Philipp Petzschner (Ger) 7-5 6-3 7-6(6)

It has been known for a long time that Kent are in financial trouble, but the club insist the future is bright as the chairman dips into his own pocket

Match-fixing erodes the basis on which sport is founded, because it undermines uncertainty; which is why it is a bigger crime than the use of performance-enhancing drugs

The most Australian players seem to be able to offer in support of the split-innings format trial seems to be "interesting"