April may barely have passed but already Varun Chopra is having a season to remember. Yesterday the Warwickshire opener recorded a career-best one-day century to add to the two double centuries that adorn his first-class efforts in the current campaign.

Warwickshire's bright start to the season continued at Chester-le-Street, where winter recruit William Porterfield punished Durham wicketkeeper Michael Richardson for an early missed chance as the visiting team reached 345 for 7.

Graeme Smith's 22nd century was the backbone for South Africa as they reached tea on day one of the first Test against Pakistan in Dubai on 197 for two.

In true Pakistan fashion the lifetime ban from the national team inflicted upon Younus Khan was lifted yesterday.

Pakistan set aside cricket's corruption furore to level the NatWest Series at 2-2 with a 38-run victory over England at Lord's today.

England can pay tribute to their most formidable one-day cricketer of recent vintage today by demonstrating how far they have moved on without him. There is no doubt that Andrew Flintoff, who announced his enforced retirement yesterday, was a colossus but it is equally true that for most of his career, England were found wanting in the limited-overs game.

It may seem small fry compared to other current matters of cricketing probity but Kevin Pietersen will face disciplinary action after his misjudged Twitter message this week.