Anderson's wife gives birth to girl

England bowler Jimmy Anderson, who left the Ashes tour of Australia to be at the birth of his second child, is the proud father of a new baby girl and will back for the third Test, his spokesman said.

His model wife Daniella gave birth on Thursday in Manchester, northwest England. The girl, who has yet to be named, weighed seven pounds and nine ounces (3.4 kilogrammes).

"Although this comes during a hectic period, Jimmy is thrilled to have been present at the birth and is looking forward to spending time with his new daughter before returning to Australia in the next few days," the spokesman said.

Yesterday, Daniella Anderson and the baby remained in hospital, where they were said to be doing well.

Strike bowler Anderson, 28, flew back to Britain after playing a key role in England's victory in the second Ashes Test, which put the tourists 1-0 up in the five-Test series.

The Lancashire paceman will now return for the third Test in Perth, Western Australia, which gets under way on Thursday.