The Dubliner played for England in the 2007 World Cup and under International Cricket Council rules he should be unable to switch allegiance back to the country of his birth until April 2011.

BBC: Ed Joyce wants to return to play for Ireland

Match referee Chris Broad ruled Australia were two overs short of their target in the second innings and International Cricket Council rules state each player is fined 5% of their match fee per over not bowled, while the skipper receives a double penalty.

BBC: India deserved victory - Ponting

The following year, the International Cricket Council relaxed its rules, making it legal for bowlers to straighten their arms up to 15 degrees.

BBC: Muralitharan - the record-breaker

One of these days I'll get my own back by getting you to a cricket match and explaining the rules to you and some of the terminology that you'll have to try and get straight, as I tried last night.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama and Prime Minister Cameron Hold a Press Conference | The White House

In fact, Perth is obsessed with sport - with cricket, football, rugby and Australian rules football attract crowds throughout the year.

BBC: SPORT | Rugby Union | Rugby World Cup | Venues Guide | City guide: Perth

What makes the story even more interesting is that, although cricket was allowed under the Taleban - the rules over what you could and couldn't do were strict.

BBC: Film charts the Afghan cricket teams success in Jersey

He was a standard bearer for Australian football in an era when Australian Rules Football, the two rugby codes and cricket were dominant back home.

BBC: SPORT | Football | World Cup 2006 | Teams | Australia | Football on top Down Under

The British invented - or at least laid down the modern rules for - many of the world's most popular spectator sports, including cricket, tennis, golf, rugby and football.

BBC: Go to a game in London