Johannesburg, June 19 (ANI): The South African media has said that England will try to convert the distraction of a looming Ashes series into motivation for Wednesday's first ICC Champions Trophy semi-final at the Oval against South Africa.

London, June 19 (ANI): England captain Alastair Cook has admitted that he is 'he has never felt more nervous' ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa, despite backing his team to withstand the pressure.

Johannesburg, June 19 (ANI): South African captain AB de Villiers has said that England will be the favourites during their ICC Champions Trophy semi final clash with South Africa at The Oval on Wednesday because they are playing at home and know the conditions well.

London, June 19 (ANI): Amid the ball-tampering suspicions that are currently clouding England's ICC Champions Trophy campaign, South Africa captain AB de Villiers stoked the fire by admitting that England seemed to reverse swing the ball more quicker than other teams, which may be a possible concern.

Johannesburg, June 19 (ANI): South African captain AB de Villiers has said that national pride will be the primary focus of his team when they take on England in the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy at The Oval on Wednesday.

Islamabad, June 18 (ANI): Pakistan's defeat in the Champions Trophy has prompted calls from former players, media and fans to overhaul the system and ditch coach Dav Whatmore and under-performing players.

London, June 18 (ANI): South African golfer Justin Rose has admitted that his US Open triumph was only possible after the healing of the scars from his 'traumatic' early career.

Washington, June 16 (ANI): As South Africa prayed for former African president Nelson Mandela, who spent his eighth day in hospital, his ex-bodyguard wished to 'set him free.'

Johannesburg, June 15 (ANI): South Africa has managed to advance into the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy on a good average run-rate after their rain-marred match against the West Indies at Sophia Gardens ended in a tie on Friday.

Melbourne, June 14 (ANI): Murder-accused Paralympian Oscar Pistorius has reportedly been left off South Africa's team of 32 athletes for the Paralympic athletics world championships, to be held next month in Lyon, France from July 19-28.

Cardiff (Wales), June 14 (ANI): West Indies plan to give it their all on Friday when they face South Africa in a do-or-die contest in their final Group B match.

Johannesburg, June 14 (ANI): South Africa will return slain Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's assets and cash stashed in the country to Libya.

Johannesburg, June 14 (ANI): South Africa paceman Dale Steyn is reportedly available for selection for their 'must-win' ICC Champions Trophy match against the West Indies at the Cardiff Stadium on Friday.

Johannesburg, June 13 (ANI): South African left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso has said that his team's spin-friendly approach will continue to play an important role in the remainder of the ICC Champions Trophy.

Johannesburg, June 13 (ANI): International journalists stationed outside Pretoria hospital where Nelson Mandela is receiving treatment for life threatening lung infection, were warned by the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa (ICASA) over their use of unlicensed broadcast equipment.

Johannesburg, June 13 (ANI): South Africa paceman Dale Steyn has raised hopes that he will be fit for the critical ICC Champions Trophy game against West Indies on Friday after he bowled at full intensity in the nets on Wednesday.

Islamabad, June 12 (ANI): Former Pakistani cricketers have criticised the team's poor batting performance after their ICC Champions Trophy defeat to South Africa, which has left them on the verge of dropping from the tournament.

Johannesburg, June 11(ANI): Mandela's frail health and prolonged hospital stays have kept the former president out of public eyes but analyst believe that the awareness about his mortality will not have a dramatic impact on domestic politics.

Johannesburg, June 11 (ANI): South Africa captain AB de Villiers has hailed the debut of bowler Chris Morris after the team returned to winning ways in the ICC Champions Trophy with a 67-run success over Pakistan at Edgbaston on Monday.

London, June 11 (ANI): Pakistan Test and ODI captain Misbah-ul Haq has admitted that his team's batsmen were 'totally lost' after their poor show during the 67-run defeat by South Africa in the ICC Champions Trophy.

Karachi, June 10 (ANI): Former Pakistan pacer Shoiab Akhtar has urged Pakistan bowlers to play aggressively and aim for the wickets in their group matches against South Africa and India in the ongoing Champions Trophy in the UK.

Johannesburg, June 10 (Xinhua-ANI): The South African government on Monday kept mum on the condition of former president Nelson Mandela, who spent his third day in hospital.

Sydney, June 10 (ANI): South African captain AB de Villiers has reportedly said that the Australians are preparing for a bigger counter attack especially after losing to England at Edgbaston and vouched for the Australian cricket team's Ashes prospects.

Sydney, June 10 (ANI): Former South African President Nelson Mandela has become the latest victim of a celebrity death hoax on Twitter.

Johannesburg, June 10 (ANI): South Africa prayed for 94-year-old former President Nelson Mandela, as he spent a third night in hospital, with calls for the family and the nation to 'let him go'.