SCOTLAND scrum-half Chris Cusiter is refusing to take his selection for granted in rugby's Six Nations curtain-raiser against England at Twickenham - even if he regains fitness in time.

He knows Mike Blair will not be available on February 3, having injured a shoulder this month.

But Cusiter has not played since dislocating a shoulder against the Pacific Islanders on November 18 - and that may prove decisive when coach Frank Hadden has to choose his scrum-half.

Cusiter said: "To play for Scotland in the Six Nations is the main reason I play rugby - but to come back after two-and-a-half months out injured and go straight into those sorts of matches is a big ask."

CRICKET: England completed their first win on their Australian tour thanks to Andrew Flintoff's unbeaten 72 today.

The former captain continued his good form since returning to the ranks as England squeezed home by three wickets over New Zealand in the Tri-series in Hobart.

GRIDIRON: Wembley is likely to host New York Giants against Miami Dolphins when the NFL stages a regular-season game outside of North America for the first time.

SNOOKER: Stephen Maguire sent defending champion John Higgins packing in the SAGA Insurance Masters.

The Glaswegian won a nailbiting 6-5 second-round tie against the Wishaw Wizard at the Wembley Arena, although Higgins missed a good chance to snatch victory in a tense final frame.