Shane Warne questioned whether he had the swagger to become a quality Test quick but Mitchell Johnson has had little hesitation in endorsing his fellow left-armer, Mitchell Starc, as a future mainstay of the Australian attack in both forms of the game.

"I haven't been surprised (at Starc's form) because his one-day form has been outstanding. I was never worried that he wouldn't perform at one-day cricket," Johnson said.

"He's got everything that it takes to be a spearhead. He's doing all the right things at the moment. He's just going out there and enjoying himself, bowling fast, swinging the ball and that's what it's all about.

"The more cricket he plays, the more he learns. It's good to have some senior guys around to help him out. I'm sure if he continues the way he is he'll be a champion one-day bowler and Test bowler in the future."

Proteas’ viral birthday video

The South Africans are well aware of their status as World Cup chokers, and through the power of song they're aiming to ease the pressure on skipper AB De Villiers ahead of their crucial match against India. One of the world's best batsman turned 31 on Tuesday.

For his special day, his teammates put together a rousing rendition of 'happy birthday' in the locker room to mark the occasion. Kyle Abbott joined in the singing from the shower, David Miller made his contribution from another private corner of the bathroom and Dale Steyn refused to break from shaving to lend his dulcet tones in the video.

Ajmal blasts umpire

Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal alleged on Monday that third umpire Steve Davis had victimised Pakistan after he ruled Umar Akmal caught behind on a referral decision during their opener against India on Sunday.

 “Steve Davis never upheld any appeal when I bowled and I had to always ask for a referral to get a wicket when he was the umpire,” Ajmal recalled.

“He has always had issues with us and even when we didn't want him for a match no one listened to us,” Ajmal said. “When the snickometer didn't show anything and there was no sound why was Umar given out on referral. Why was the field umpire's original not out decision not upheld,” Ajmal questioned.

Dhoni asked to stop collecting bails

Everyone is aware of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's penchant for collecting stumps as souvenirs after every India win but he won't be able to collect any during the ongoing World Cup anymore.

The World Cup in Australia and New Zealand has LED stumps, which are touch-sensitive and blink whenever the bails get whipped off.

Just after India completed their win against Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval, Dhoni took one of the bails but Ian Gould, the umpire, had a chat with him which saw the bail remaining where it was.

The specific reason being that the stumps cost USD 40,000 and the pair of bails costs as much as an iPhone 6.

Wasim feels 'hurt'

Pakistan's former captain Wasim Akram has offered to help the national cricket team salvage its World Cup campaign.

"I am in Australia and New Zealand and I am ready to do my bit to help out the Pakistan team in their World Cup campaign. I know a lot about the current players. But so far no one neither the management nor the board has asked me for assistance," Akram said.

Akram said he was unhappy that fingers were pointed out at him for helping out players from other countries, notably India, and not the Pakistani players.

"What am I supposed to do? Go and stand outside the Gaddafi stadium that please give me employment... I want to do something for Pakistan cricket. How does anyone expect me to get involved with the Pakistan team in the World Cup if no one asks me," he said.

"What hurts me is that no one from the Pakistan camp has thought it fit to ask for my help or advice. I am here and I am willing to help. I have told the PCB time and again I don't want a job, I just want to help out the players," he said.      -- Compiled