World Sports in brief

ECB bans Rafiq

The England and Wales Cricket Board has suspended Azeem Rafiq from all cricket under its jurisdiction for a month.

The ban follows the England under-19 captain's foul-mouthed tirade on Twitter against manager John Abrahams.

Yorkshire off-spinner Rafiq, 19, vented his fury at Abrahams after he was dropped for the second Test against Sri Lanka for disciplinary reasons.

Essex want Kaneria

Essex are seeking assurances from the Pakistan Cricket Board that Danish Kaneria will be available to them for FP t20 finals day on August 14.

If so, they will de-register Australian leg-spinner Bryce McGain and bring back Kaneria, who is currently out of favour with the Pakistan selectors.

Wilkinson unavailable for England

Jonny Wilkinson will not be released to join up with England's elite squad when they meet on 8 August, the fly-half's French club Toulon have confirmed.

Toulon said Wilkinson "will respect his contract and be available for the first game of the Top 14 on August 13".

Hamilton excited by title battle

Lewis Hamilton says he is excited by the intense competition for the Formula 1 drivers' championship with five men in contention to win the title.

The top five drivers are separated by 20 points going into the summer break with Red Bull's Mark Webber in top spot after he won the Hungarian Grand Prix.