Lloyd hits out at Waugh decision

The MCC were today accused of doing serious damage to England's chances of reclaiming the Ashes after they gave the go-ahead for Australian captain Steve Waugh to join Kent for six weeks.

Former England coach David Lloyd claims the decision will allow Waugh the perfect opportunity to study in depth England's current squad ahead of the tour of Australia, as well as provide him with some much needed match time.

"We're slitting our own throats by giving him some free match practice before the Ashes," said Lloyd.

"We are also giving him an early peek at our best players in county cricket."

Meanwhile, the World Cup organising committee in South Africa has made contingency plans to switch the six matches scheduled to be played in Zimbabwe, should the situation in the country deteriorate dramatically.