Vegging out

In the old days, an Australian's idea of pre-match diet would be a few tinnies and a light barbie. Not now. Greg Chappell, the India coach, is so enlightened about modern dietary practice that he has put his team on a strict vegetarian diet before the Champions Trophy match with England on Sunday.

Even the support staff have been banned from eating meat or fish, and one told the ICC: "We all have decided to go veg because of the weather conditions. It is too hot and in this heat, non-vegetarian food is not good for health." Dhal and curd are the cornerstones of the new diet, dreamed up by John Gloster, the team physio. Chappell is slightly evangelical about this, having been a vegan since 1994. The only animal by-product he will eat is honey.

At least with a regular diet of dhal India's batsmen should not find the runs hard to come by. Sorry...

Pakistan have it much easier. Although it is Ramadan until October 23, Bob Woolmer has told his players not to be too serious about fasting. I wonder what steps England are taking. It almost makes you yearn for Jack Russell bringing crates of baked beans on tour with him.