Killer ball destroyed

Sydney: Phillip Hughes's demise will haunt the cricket world for years and to get over the tragedy the New South Wales cricket association did something unique by destroying the ball that fatally struck the Australian during a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG last year.

"It is a sensitive issue... It was a collective decision taken by the Cricket New South Wales... That ball will never be seen again," Cricket NSW media manager Jodie Hawkins said.

Watson role

Sydney: As part of World Cup's commitment to supporting community causes, Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has launched a children's book to promote reading. Watson has been named the star in a children's book that has been published by Room to Read, a global non-profit organisation that promotes literacy and gender equality in education across Asian and African countries, together with the ICC.

Popularity

Guwahati: Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Glenn Maxwell have emerged as the two most-searched players on an internet search engine ahead of the India-Australia semi-final clash on Thursday. The Indian captain is leading the chart. Interestingly, Dhoni's search rankings have improved post the India-Zimbabwe match.

SA support

Stellenbosch: Led by unexpected praise from the nation's outspoken sports minister, South Africa went easy on its cricket team after another painful ouster from the World Cup. Sports minister Fikile Mbalula, who launched a scathing attack on the soccer team after exit from the World Cup last year, said he was proud of the cricket team.

"You made us proud as a nation as you fought until the last minute. You are winners in my eyes and I'm sure the whole nation agrees," Mbalula said.

Srini skips

Sydney: The BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur will be in Sydney on Thursday to watch the India-Australia semi-final. However, ICC chairman Narayanswami Srinivasan will not be present at the SCG. He is, however, expected to be in Melbourne for the final on Sunday.