Karachi, Apr. 3 : Controversial Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has managed to pass through the first of series fitness tests before the Pakistan Cricket Board declares him fit for the national duty against Australia.

According to The News, Akhtar looked in great shape during the test.

Chief selector, Abdul Qadir confirmed that Akhtar has cleared the first hurdle, but made it clear that he would need to fair well in all the endurance checks.

Wellington, Apr. 3 : New Zealand fast bowler James Franklin today rued the fact that India''s batters got away after being pinned to just over 200 runs for the loss of six wickets on the first day of the third and final test being played at the Basin Reserve here.

Franklin shared his teammates disappointment as the last remnants of India''s tail survived to bat on.

India reached stumps at 375 for nine - Ishant Sharma''s 15 and 14 by Munaf Patel the final insult as the last pair helped the tourists recover superbly from 204 for six.

Wellington, Apr. 3 : The New Zealand Cricket Board is mulling over an idea of hosting a part of the scheduled Pakistan cricket tour in November, as the recent surge in terror activities in Pakistan has made it impossible for foreign teams to visit the country.

The New Zealand Cricket CEO Justin Vaughan said he will discuss the probability of hosting some of the matches of the series with the Pakistani officials during the International Cricket Council (ICC) board meeting later this month.

Sao Paulo, Brazil - Three-time world footballer of the year Ronaldo could be fit enough to play for Brazil at the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa, his team doctor told German Press Agency dpa.

Although Ronaldo will be nearly 34 when the tournament takes place, he should be physically strong enough to play at the highest level, Corinthians doctor Joaquim Grava said.

London - Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has committed his future to the Premier League club by agreeing to extend his contract for a further two years until 2013.

Liverpool said on their website on Friday that the 28-year-old is expected to sign the deal "soon."

The agreement is a major boost for the club, who are chasing league and Champions League honours this year.

The news comes hot on the heels of the new five-year deal signed by manager Rafael Benitez last month.

Madrid - Real Madrid will be without Marcelo, and possibly Arjen Robben as well, in their Spanish league match away to Malaga on Saturday.

The left-back Marcelo will be out of action for around 12 days, after pulling the abductor muscle in his right leg whilst warming up before Wednesday's Brazil vs Peru World Cup qualifying match.

Real coach Juande Ramos will now have to field either Miguel Torres or Royston Drenthe at left-back, because Gabriel Heinze is also missing through suspension.