England carry on Aussie rule Munster pick Irish Pacman has backup

CRICKET: Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott continued their torment of Australian bowlers with another century stand at the Adelaide Oval.

England's second-wicket pair famously piled up a record 329 in the drawn first Test in Brisbane -- and when Trott was finally out on the second afternoon of this second Ashes Test, they had put on 502 together in almost 10 previously undefeated hours.

The upshot was an England total of 198 for two at teatime, despite the near instant loss of captain Andrew Strauss on another glorious morning in reply to Australia's apparently under-par 245.

Munster pick Irish

Rugby: Munster have selected a side containing eight players involved in Ireland's win over Argentina last weekend for this evening's Magners League clash with Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park (5.0).

The Limerick pitch was given the all-clear after a lunchtime inspection yesterday and, barring a severe deterioration, Denis Leamy will lead out Tony McGahan's side including Mick O'Driscoll, Donncha O'Callaghan, Niall Ronan, Alan Quinlan, Ronan O'Gara and Peter Stringer.

Paul O'Connell is on the bench.

Pacman has backup

Boxing: Should a highly anticipated clash with Floyd Mayweather Jnr fail to materialise, Manny Pacquiao will pick from a shortlist of three -- former light-middleweight champion Shane Mosley, undefeated WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto and Mexico's WBA and WBO lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez -- for an April 16 bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the Filipino's promoter Bob Arum has said. "It's going to be Manny's decision," Arum said.

NBA: Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo led all five Boston starters into double-digit scoring as the Celtics eased to a 104-92 victory over the Chicago Bulls last night.