Whatever my feelings on the matter, reform of the Lords is effectively over and now is a good time to manage that handover.

BBC: Lord Strathclyde resigns from cabinet

The handover should be less troubled this time, but the WICB does not have long to find a replacement with a seven-match limited overs series against Zimbabwe starting on 29 April.

BBC: SPORT | Cricket | Chanderpaul resigns as WI captain

Annan said further discussions would take place before he decided whether to send such a team, but he expressed doubts that direct elections could be held in time for a planned handover to an interim Iraqi government this (northern hemisphere) summer.

CNN: U.N. help sought on Iraq vote