Dubai, Dec 24 : The England team was fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during its six-wicket defeat against India in the first Test played in Chennai between 11 and 15 December.

Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees imposed the fines after Kevin Pietersen's side was ruled to be one over short of its target when time allowances were taken into consideration.

Melbourne, Dec 24 : Spin legend Shane Warne has advised under pressure Brett Lee to go into the Boxing Day Test and just let all hell break loose.

Lee was well below his match-winning potential in Australia's record loss to South Africa in Perth, and Warne through hi column in the Daily Telegraph, is the latest player to give Lee a vote of confidence ahead of the second Test.

Los Angeles  - The Boston Celtics gave themselves an early Christmas gift - and one that money can't buy - a place in the franchise and NBA record books.

Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo scored 18 points apiece as the surging Celtics rolled to their 19th consecutive victory Tuesday night, beating the visiting Philadelphia
76ers 110-91.

"We haven't really kept up with the streak, but any time you win, any time you establish yourself in history is always a great thing," Garnett said. "I'm happy to be a part of it. It's a special group and we're working hard."

However, Garnett and his teammates continue to downplay the historical run, focusing instead on the big picture.

Dec 24: South Africa captain Graeme Smith has said that his team is better placed against Australia ahead of the second Test at the MCG, starting on the Boxing Day.

Smith said while the Proteas' history-making victory in Perth had given his side extra self-belief, it was also handy having the first match completed after a long build-up to the series.

Melbourne, Dec 24: South African skipper Graeme Smith has said that Australia will hit back hard after going 1-0 down in the three match Test series.

"Australia fought bloody hard in Perth and we just managed to stand toe-to-toe with them. They will fight even harder in front of the MCG crowd and we may have to go even further into unexplored territory to stay with them again and, hopefully, cross the line first," Smith said.

Dec 24: South African coach Mickey Arthur has noted that Brett Lee had struggled to perform as Australia's strike bowler without the dependable Stuart Clark building pressure from the other end.

"Brett is a champion bowler and he has been for a long time. I think what we are seeing from Brett is that since Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath have gone, he has done a huge amount more bowling," Arthur said.

"I say it with respect, but Clark is obviously the perfect foil for him. Without Clark, without a guy doing a holding job, perhaps his role sometimes gets a little bit confused. I think Brett is at his best when he is striking for you. How they balance their attack, I'm not sure," he added.