In 60 days the United Nations inspectors charged with hunting down Iraq’s chemical and biological weapons have carried out 300 inspections at more than 230 different sites, including universities, military bases, presidential sites and private homes.

Zimbabwe World Cup stars Andy Flower and Henry Olonga launched a protest on Monday against the worsening famine and violence which is tearing their country apart.

A career best 172 not out by Zimbabwe opening batsman Craig Wishart — the highest score by a Zimbabwean in one day internationals — powered his team to a huge score of 340-2 at the World Cup on Monday, almost certainly well beyond the reach of Namibia.

Zimbabwe defeated Namibia their rain-affected World Cup Group B clash at the Harare Sports Club here on Monday. The winning margin was 86 runs decided on the Duckworth-Lewis method after a torrential downpour brought an early conclusion to the match.

England’s Cricket Board (ECB) told World Cup organisers on Monday its players won’t play in Zimbabwe because of security fears. After three days of discussion with security officials and administrators, the ECB delivered the news in a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Full scoreboard of the World Cup group A match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at the Goodyear Park in Bloemfontein on Monday.

The England and Wales Cricket Board have dismissed reports that they have boycotted their match against Zimbabwe — even though a statement released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) seemed to indicate England would not be going to Harare.

Followers of English cricket are used to failures on the field, but this World Cup campaign looks set to be remembered for off the field incompetence unmatched in the long, inglorious history of British sporting administrators.

India go into their World Cup opener against minnows Netherlands on Wednesday confident that Sachin Tendulkar and psychologist Sandy Gordon have helped them get over pre-tournament jitters.