England will be without their most potent weapon at Pretoria, winger Dan Luger, but his replacement Ben Cohen is champing at the bit to impress after losing his place to Luger.

BBC: Austin Healey will be comfortable back on the wing

But it is the batting that lacks menace, and the only specialist replacement batsman, Joe Denly is "a little bit touch-and-go", Strauss revealed.

BBC: Strauss bemoans 'Groundhog Day'

Mr Cahuzac reiterated in a television interview that the government would formulate a replacement for the 75 per cent measure, which was intended to "incite a bit more prudence and decency in a very rare number of leaders", in order to reduce pay gaps between workers and executives.

CNN: France hints at lowering 75% tax rate

If we've got a replacement mic, that would be helpful because this one's going in and out a little bit.

WHITEHOUSE: Town Hall in Los Angeles