India’s first cricket tour of Pakistan since 1989 will generate a record £11-million in television and advertising revenues following intense bidding by some of India’s biggest businesses for the right to sponsor the series.

Italian cyclist Marco Pantani died of a heart attack and was also found to have brain and lung damage, according to initial reports from an autopsy carried out here on Monday. ”We can’t rule out any cause of death,” Professor Giuseppe Fortuni told reporters.

An ailing Graeme Smith anchored a fighting South African recovery in the second one-day international against New Zealand on Tuesday, as the tourists turned a cautious start into a prolific onslaught to post 253 for eight.

Shaquille O’Neal, the giant Los Angeles Lakers centre who won most valuable player honours at Sunday’s National Basketball Association All-Star Game, is considering joining the United States Olympic team. ”It depends on how far we go in the playoffs,” O’Neal said. ”I think it’s very, very burdensome.”

Springbok selector Allister Coetzee and Stormers coach Gert Smal have been confirmed as assistant coaches to new Springbok coach Jake White. ”We are pleased to have concluded this matter swiftly to allow the new coaching structure an immediate opportunity to begin its planning,” said South African Rugby Football Union president Brian van Rooyen.

Stephen Fleming won a duel between rival captains on Tuesday, scoring a century to lead New Zealand to a five-wicket win over South Africa in the second limited-overs cricket international.

The Bulls stand out as the South African team best equipped to challenge for Super 12 glory this year. The results of the four teams last year mirrored the general poor health of a sport beset with problems on and off the field. The Bulls finished sixth, the Stormers ninth and the Sharks and Cats occupied the bottom two positions.