The ECB confirmed that England batsman Kevin Pietersen has requested permission to join South African team KwaZulu-Natal Inland for two matches in October as preparation ahead of the Ashes.

Captain Paul Collingwood believes England’s successive NatWest International Twenty20 wins over Pakistan prove they can handle the added pressure that comes with being world champions.

England showed no sign of relinquishing their hold over Pakistan as they wrapped up the NatWest International T20 series courtesy of a thoroughly comprehensive victory at the SWALEC Stadium.

Stuart Broad insists there can be no excuse for any cricketer to be caught up in corruption - and especially as support and guidance from the ECB and International Cricket Council is so explicit.

Kevin Pietersen has been fined an undisclosed sum by the ECB after pleading guilty to two charges relating to comments made on Twitter at his omission from the NatWest Series squad.

Paul Collingwood was delighted with a “100%” performance by world champions England, who made a winning return to Twenty20 courtesy of Eoin Morgan and Michael Yardy's calm stand.

Superb innings under pressure by Eoin Morgan and Michael Yardy guided England from a worrying mid-innings wobble to a comfortable five-wicket win in the opening NatWest International T20 in Cardiff.

England return to Twenty20 international cricket for the first time since ICC World Twenty20 glory in the Caribbean, and captain Paul Collingwood expects them to rise to the occasion appropriately.

England team director Andy Flower is urging his players to concentrate on on-field matters and not become distracted by problems in Pakistan's camp