"The good news is there's no devil. The bad news is there is no heaven. There's nothing."- The late Kerry Packer, on recovering after being declared clinically dead for eight minutes a few years ago.

"The last time when India visited, it was summer [April] and now it is winter [January], which will benefit our bowlers."- Imran Khan, terming Pakistan as the favourites for forthcoming series against India.

"As a middle-order batsman, you definitely feel much more secure that you have got partners with you and that you won't get stranded like I have on more than one occasion."- VVS Laxman, on the strengthened Indian lower order.

"You have to give a lot of credit to the number 10 and 11 batsmen, because they're the ones under the most pressure."- Mike Hussey, showering praise on MacGill and McGrath for helping him get to his century in the 2nd Test against South Africa at Melbourne.

"Even though we have not had a very good time in the recent past, I hope the momentum of my past performance will flow during the one-day series."- Recalled Sri Lankan veteran Sanath Jayasurya on the one-dayers against New Zealand