In August to September last year, China sent its one and only icebreaker Xue Long (Snow Dragon) on a successful two-way test run of the NSR.

CNN: China eyes Arctic options in energy, transport

India have lost their way recently, drawing the Test series with Pakistan and losing the one-day series 4-2 after going 2-0 ahead.

BBC: SPORT | Cricket | India left on the Wright track

Spin legend Shane Warne said Australia would miss Hayden's "aura" and "the way he imposed himself on the competition, whether it was Twenty20s, one-dayers or Test cricket".

BBC: Ponting leads praise for Hayden