But in Northern Ireland politics is seen as a zero-sum game: if one side gains, it stands to reason that the other must have lost.

ECONOMIST: Ulster waits | The

The one-off challenge match provided an ideal curtain-raiser for the Champions Trophy, with Australia showing their determination to prove they are still the game's top one-day side.

BBC: SPORT | Cricket | Aussies hold off Pakistan

But Carter, considered by many to be the finest fly-half in the modern game, had a mixed afternoon as England tore into the number one-ranked side in the world before running out of steam in the second half.

BBC: England 6-19 New Zealand