The winter Ashes series and the World Cup then follow and that is the reason for giving Strauss this breathing space - not because he needs a rest now but because he and the selectors believe it will benefit him later in the year.

BBC: Jonathan Agnew column

"His lungs and heart are showing improvement but he still needs rest, " said Dr Fathoni, a cardiologist.

BBC: Australia unveils anti-terror plans

On the Russian side, better relations with America rest partly on Mr Putin's calculation that he needs a period of stability in foreign policy while he seeks to build up the Russian economy, and partly on his skill at extracting a quid for quos he had to concede anyway.

ECONOMIST: Europe and America

James Anderson's knee would benefit from another couple of days rest and while Paul Collingwood needs a fitness test before the match, the turn of speed he showed when the rain hit the ground during his gentle loosener looked promising.

BBC: Jonathan Agnew column