New Zealand were so impressed that they took him up to Trent Bridge to help them prepare for their match against Sri Lanka in the Super Eights. A couple of months later Moles asked Holmes if he wanted to travel with the Test team to Sri Lanka to work as a net bowler, a chance he leapt at. Daniel Vettori was particularly impressed with the kid, and he and a couple of other senior players had asked the coaching staff to invite Holmes along. He spent that tour working with Saqlain Mushtaq, who had been hired as a specialist coach, honing his bowling in the nets. Read more The Guardian

Tendulkar is far from finished

Sachin Tendulkar has the keenest cricket mind of anyone since Don Bradman - let us enjoy him while he lasts. Read more The Telegraph

Cardboard cut-outs help Steyn hit the spot

They say he can't bowl to left-handers so Dale Steyn has taken a novel approach to his first Test preparation - bowling at a cardboard cut-out in the Gabba nets to ensure his line and length are just right. Read more Sydney Morning Herald

Maxwell rates Johnson's rep claims

It was similar to a spell he produced late on day one of the preceding Sheffield Shield match, and was rated by Maxwell as ''the fastest spell I've ever faced, comfortably''. Read more Sydney Morning Herald

Did conman Allen Stanford help in West Indies revival?

Despite his spectacular downfall - and the problems he caused for thousands of investors - there are those who believe he has he left a positive impact on cricket in the Caribbean. Read more BBC Sport

Can the Aussies be world number one?

For around 15 years, there was great order to Test cricket. Australia were the undisputed kings and the rest of the world was left to battle it out for the minor placings. Now, we live in confusing times. Read more BBC Sport