Sporting Digest: Cricket

Mark Ramprakash, who was omitted from England's winter tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe, has been awarded a benefit year in 2000 by Middlesex. Ramprakash made his county debut in 1987 and his Test debut in 1991.

Bob Cottam will work as a specialist bowling coach with England under Duncan Fletcher in South Africa this winter, the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed yesterday.

Members of Pakistan's World Cup team yesterday appeared before a judicial commission investigating allegations of bribery and match-fixing involving the team captain Wasim Akram and three other players. Justice Malik Abdul Qayyum heard testimony from several players as well as the four players under investigation - Wasim, Mushtaq Ahmed, Ijaz Ahmed and Salim Malik. At yesterday's hearing, Ata-ur-Rehman, the pace bowler, recanted his affidavit accusing Wasim of bribery, according to court registrar. It was not known why Rehman recanted his affidavit but the judge ordered him to remain in Pakistan and said he will not be allowed to travel without prior court permission.