Factories are only just recovering from a period of sustained strength for the pound, which has made UK exports more expensive, hitting order books hard.

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The Hampshire innings did not get off to the best start when new signing Michael Lumb fell in the third over with the score on 18 but the big-hitting middle order pair dominated the Irish attack.

BBC: SPORT | Cricket | Counties | Pietersen steers Hampshire home

Can Israel afford to give up its own place in the lineup in the belief that the United States, hitting lower in the order, will actually go up to the plate and take its swings?

CNN: Obama's Iran problem and the Bush doctrine