The Trustees of the Walter Lawrence Trophy have announced that a new award is to be made to the highest-scoring batsman from the six MCC Universities.

The University Centres of Cricketing Excellence (UCCE) programme comprises six teams, Durham, Cambridge, Oxford, Loughborough, Leeds/Bradford and Cardiff, and is in its second year under the administration of MCC, who took over its running with enormous success from the ECB at the start of last season. The award will be presented to the batsman with the highest score in an innings, played against one of the other five UCCEs or against one of the first-class counties. The winner will receive a silver medallion and prize of £1,000, to be presented at the end-of-season dinner at Lord’s when the main trophy, for the fastest first-class hundred in terms of balls faced, is presented.

The current UCCE leading batsman is Richard Clinton, son of former Kent and Surrey batsman Grahame, who scored an unbeaten 108 for Loughborough against Essex at Chelmsford on April 17. Meanwhile, Nottinghamshire allrounder, Mark Ealham, leads the way in the Walter Lawrence Trophy with his stunning 45-ball hundred made against MCC at Lord’s on April 16.

April 25, 2006

Bond blow for Gloucestershire

Posted on 04/25/2006 in Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire have begun searching for a replacement overseas player after Shane Bond was withdrawn from his season with the club. Bond has been forced out of the Test series against South Africa with a knee injury and needs an extended period of rest.

Tom Richardson, the chief executive, said: “I spoke today to Black Caps’ Manager, Lindsey Crocker and to Shane. Fundamentally, he has a minor knee injury but it is just not responding and will not go away. Therefore, reluctantly, they have decided to send him back to New Zealand from South Africa for a period of enforced rest.

This means that he will not be available for us this summer. We now need to find a replacement and, in doing so, clearly, we will consider the balance of the team. Currently, we are doing just that.”

Richardson admits that the loss of Bond is a blow after he had been earmarked to bring strike power to the bowling attack. "Although philosophical about it, obviously, Shane is very disappointed, as are we. We believe he would have a made a significant difference on and off the field for us. We wish him a speedy recovery."

Slow over rate for Somerset

Posted on 04/25/2006 in Somerset

Somerset have been docked half a point for their slow over rate during their Championship match against Gloucestershire at Bristol

April 23, 2006

Putting the sex into Essex

Posted on 04/23/2006 in Essex

Ashley Cowan will soon be lapping it up at Essex © Getty Images

Benefit events: yawnsome speeches from crusty old men blathering on through their beards – Get on with it, man! - while guests struggle to hold their eyes open. Right?

Well, not necessarily so in cheeky Essex where Ashley Cowan is being sponsored by a lap-dancing club, The Cave, who will put on so-called Cave Nights, involving pole dancing, beer and, um, cricket celebrities.

The club's communications manager Greg Lansdowne hastily justified how this sat with being a family club. "There are a variety of events in a benefit year," he said, "some of an adult nature and some for all the family. Ashley's Cave Nights will cater for the more mature end of the market."

"We all know sex sells," nudge-nudge-wink-winked a grinning Cowan, "and that's why we are having these nights." Ooh! Fancy.

Gillespie delays Yorks debut

Posted on 04/23/2006 in Yorkshire

Jason Gillespie delayed his planned debut for English country side Yorkshire against Derbyshire on Sunday because of travel weariness.

The Australian joined up with his new Yorkshire team-mates at Headingley but did not play after arriving from Bangladesh Saturday.

"I had hoped to get stuck in straight away but having just played in back-to-back Test matches before some long flights I did not feel it was the best preparation," said Gillespie.

"After talking to Craig White and Darren Lehmann I decided to get over my tiredness and make absolutely sure I am fully recovered in time for Yorkshire's Championship match against Warwickshire at Edgbaston on Wednesday."

Gillespie said he accepted that his days in Australia's one-day side were probably over but he felt that he still had a lot to offer at Test level.

"I would love to be a part of the Ashes series but that is a long way off yet and at the moment I am concentrating solely on taking wickets for Yorkshire."

April 22, 2006

Watkinson welcomes back Freddie

Posted on 04/22/2006 in Lancashire

The Lancashire coach Mike Watkinson is thrilled that Andrew Flintoff has been allowed a game for his county. Flintoff has been cleared, by Duncan Fletcher, to play a C&G Trophy match against Northamptonshire on May 7

"I'm surprised we have got a game out of Freddie before the Test series, let's hope we can have a few nets with him and get his mind focused on our game rather than the Test match. It will be great to have Freddie in our side. He is a great player and gives the side balance and is a top man to have around the dressing room.

Afridi to miss Ireland match

Posted on 04/22/2006 in Ireland

Disappointment for Ireland today as they announced that Shahid Afridi will not make it to Dublin in time for Ireland's match against Hampshire at Castle Avenue on Sunday 23 April.

He has however confirmed to the Irish Cricket Union that he will still play 7 matches for Ireland in the C & G, as he had contracted to do, and will therefore play an extra match to make up for being unable to play in this one.

The remaining 11 of the originally selected 12 will play for Ireland tomorrow and Alex Cusack of Clontarf will be Ireland's 12th man for tomorrow's game.

April 20, 2006

Newell extends Notts contract

Posted on 04/20/2006 in Nottinghamshire

Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire's director of cricket, has signed a new three-year contract which will keep him at Trent Bridge until the end of the 2008 season.

"The next three years will be a very important time. With an ageing team, there is bound to be a big turnover of players," he said. "The challenge for us is to keep winning while we go through the transitional period."

How very last season

Posted on 04/20/2006 in Northamptonshire

Who says county cricket can be a little bit amateur? Um … Well … There was a bit of a flap down at Northants when the new kit didn’t arrive on time, forcing the players to wear youth team shirts and last season’s jumpers.

"It's just very inconvenient and not a little bit embarrassing," explained the chief executive Mark Tagg as his side ran out against Essex in their makeshift get-up. "The players use their own trousers anyway and the jumpers are from last season."

Gosh, how very resourceful.

April 19, 2006

Silverwood ready to go

Posted on 04/19/2006 in Middlesex

Chris Silverwood is raring to get bowling for Middlesex after his move from Yorkshire. He is excited by the prospect of continuing his career ar Lord's after a difficult move south.

But he told BBC London that he has not left on a bitter note: "Everything's been done very amicably with Yorkshire. I've not fallen out with anybody up there and Middlesex have been very patient with it. It's like a new challenge for me now. I'm like a kid with my new toy at the moment

April 18, 2006

Umpires get miked up

Posted on 04/18/2006 in Miscellaneous

Umpires will wear microphones linking them to the Sky Sports commentary team for all televised county matches this summer.

Barney Francis, Sky Sports’ executive producer for cricket said: “Umpire microphones have become a fantastic way for the men in the middle to keep viewers and commentators informed into the reasons behind their decisions. They’ve been a huge success during our Twenty20 matches and I’m sure will be a fantastic addition to our other one-day broadcasts.”

Wagg determined to take his chance

Posted on 04/18/2006 in Derbyshire

After serving a 15-month ban for failing a drugs test, Graham Wagg insists that he has a lot to offer Derbyshire, and has received the support and praise from his captain Graeme Welch:

“It would be great to get back to where I was before,” Wagg told ecb.co.uk. “It was brilliant when we went to India – it was an awesome experience. It was great to be there and I want to be there again, but my main goal is score a lot of runs, take a lot of wickets in first class cricket, and I'm always going to be knocking on the door.

“It doesn't matter who you are – if you're scoring runs and taking wickets, you have always got that chance, and I want to get back to where I was or even better.”

April 16, 2006

Taylor claims debut ton

Posted on 04/16/2006 in Derbyshire

Chris Taylor marked his Derbyshire debut with a century against Oxford University at The Parks. Taylor, who moved from Yorkshire over the winter, came in at No. 3 and added 106 with Michael di Venuto and 99 with Hassan Adnan.

April 15, 2006

Westwood claims first ton

Posted on 04/15/2006 in Warwickshire

The honour of the opening first-class century for the 2006 season went to Ian Westwood, the 23-year-old Warwickshire batsman, who struck 124 against Cambridge University at Fenner's. Westwood took 151 balls to reach the hundred, his second in first-class cricket.

April 13, 2006

Cork extends contract

Posted on 04/13/2006 in Lancashire

Dominic Cork has extended his contract with Lancashire and is now set to stay at Old Trafford until the end of the 2007 season. Cork, 34, who joined Lancashire from Derbyshire two years ago, had another year to go on his contract but after talks between county officials and Cork's representatives he has signed on for a further season.

It means that Cork is set to end his career with Lancashire as they seek to make a strong impression on the County Championship first division following their promotion last season. "We are delighted that Dominic wants to stay," said the Lancashire coach Mike Watkinson. "He's one of a group of players who give us the experience that every club needs, but there is real excitement here about the potential of the younger members of the squad."

Essex replace Johnson with youth

Posted on 04/13/2006 in Essex

Essex have decided against replacing unavailable Australian bowler Mitchell Johnson and will instead rely on their crop of promising youngsters.Read the full story here

April 12, 2006

Redevelopment study to be revealed

Posted on 04/12/2006 in Somerset

A Press Conference will be held in the Colin Atkinson Pavilion at the County Ground in Taunton on Wednesday, April 19 at 10am, to unveil the results of a SWRDA funded Feasibility Study on the redevelopment of the ground.

Nick Knight to retire at end of season

Posted on 04/12/2006 in Warwickshire

Nick Knight has announced that 2006 will be his last season of in first-class cricket. He has spent 11 years with Warwickshire after joining them from Essex in 1995. Click here for full story.

Victory for 2nd XI

Posted on 04/12/2006 in Northamptonshire

The 2nd XI started their season with success after winning a friendly game against Oxford University with seven balls to spare.

Oxford Uni 190 (48.3 overs)
Northants 191 for 6

Friendly abandoned

Posted on 04/12/2006 in Glamorgan

Continuous rain throughout the morning in Cardiff led to the abandonment of Glamorgan`s pre-season friendly against Worcestershire at Sophia Gardens on Wednesday, April 12.

Middlesex and Kent draw in the cold

Posted on 04/12/2006 in Middlesex

Middlesex’s drew with Kent in a two-day pre-season friendly at Canterbury in temperatures which were close to freezing. Both sides batted for a total of 90 overs and Middlesex used 13 players and Kent 15.

Middlesex made 270 first time round, Paul Weekes scoring 62, and Kent reached 98 for 2 at the close. Kent reached 365 for 7, with Neil Dexter bringing up his hundred shortly before the umpires brought play to a premature close as rain added to the general unpleasantness.

Sussex cruise past Surrey

Posted on 04/12/2006 in Sussex

Surrey were beaten by eight wickets in a pre-season friendly against Sussex.

Surrey's 211 for 9 in 50 overs always looked below par, all the more so when Richard Montgomerie (98) and Carl Hopkinson (89) added 185 for Sussex's first wicket. They crusied home with more than an over to spare.

Gloucestershire prepare to face Somerset

Posted on 04/12/2006 in Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire are in the final stages of their pre-season training in preparation for their opening match against Somerset on Tuesday April 18.

The team have managed some training on the field, both in the nets and general fitness. The weather hasn’t aided this outdoor training, increasing the relief amongst the club that they organised overseas pre-season training.

The squad is strong as they approach the final selection process for the Somerset clash, with only Will Rudge currently absent from training due to a knee injury there are no other current injury worries.

John Sullivan dies aged 61

Posted on 04/12/2006 in Lancashire

John Sullivan, who was a member of the Lancashire side which won the Gillette Cup three seasons running in 1970, 1971 and 1972, has died at the age of 61.

Born in Stalybridge, Sullivan joined Lancashire in 1963 and played 154 Championship matches before his retirement from county cricket in 1976. But his forte was the one-day game, and as well as the three Gillette titles, he was a key part of the side which won the first two John Player League crowns in 1969 and 1970.

Essex play Middlesex in pre-season friendly

Posted on 04/12/2006 in Essex

Essex play Middlesex in a 50-over pre-season friendly at the County Ground on Thursday, April 13. Play starts at 11.00am and admission is free.

Harmison junior could shine

Posted on 04/12/2006 in Durham

Steve Harmison has said that his younger brother Ben could make his mark with the county this season.

"Ben's joined the staff and hopefully he can force his way in. By all reports he had a good tour of Dubai and I think he's ready to put his name in the shake-up for the first game," he told Sky Sports. "If he knuckles down there's a spot open because he bats and bowls and Paul Collingwood's away. If he gets a chance, he'll relish it and do a good job for the club."

Yorkshire agree to release Silverwood

Posted on 04/12/2006 in Yorkshire

Middlesex have finally completed the signing Chris Silverwood after Yorkshire agreed to release him. Silverwood, 30, has signed a two-year deal.

A Yorkshire statement confirmed they had agreed to release him "by mutual consent".

Middlesex finally land Silverwood

Posted on 04/12/2006 in Middlesex

Middlesex have finally completed the signing Chris Silverwood after Yorkshire agreed to release him. Silverwood, 30, has signed a two-year deal.

A Yorkshire statement confirmed they had agreed to release him "by mutual consent".

Riverside's Ashes ambitions

Posted on 04/12/2006 in Durham

The Ashes do not return to the UK for over three years but Durham have set their sights on the 2009 series to host a Test. They have
made a bid that includes a West Indies Test in 2007 and an ODI between England and South Africa in 2008.

“Last year the Ashes captured the imagination of the nation, not least here in the North-East with Stephen Harmison’s and Paul Collingwood’s
involvement,” says Durham chairman Clive Leach. “It’s our intention to bring one of the greatest sporting events to the Riverside”

Sheriyar offered trial

Posted on 04/12/2006 in Leicestershire

Leicestershire have given former player Alamgir Sheriyar hope of
resurrecting his county career by offering him a short trial. Sheriyar was released by Kent last season.

Sidebottom extends contract

Posted on 04/12/2006 in Nottinghamshire

Ryan Sidebottom has extended his contract with Nottinghamshire until
2009.

Derby call for international fixtures

Posted on 04/12/2006 in Derbyshire

Derbyshire want to host international fixtures when the redevelopment of the Racecourse Ground is complete. “We want to give Derbyshire a stadium that is capable of staging one-day internationals and Twenty20 finals,” says chief executive Tom Sears. “If we could even get one international match every three years, that would give us a lot more financial security.” The first stage of redevelopment is appointing a
development company that will aim to sell off land to fund an extra 6,000 seats at the ground.

Kirtley free to play for Sussex

Posted on 04/12/2006 in Sussex

James Kirtley has had his action cleared by the ECB and is free to play for Sussex this season. Kirtley was suspended last October following reports from umpires in two Championship games last season but has since remodelled his action so that his elbow does not exceed the 15 degrees of permitted fl exion. Kirtley has also stepped down as vice-captain to concentrate on his bowling.

Surrey announce healthy profit

Posted on 04/12/2006 in Surrey

Surrey have declared a pre-tax profit of £482,000 following the busiest year in the club's history. The county invested £25 million in the redevelopment of the Vauxhall End, increased turnover from £12 million to £18 million and continued its substantial investment in cricket.

April 1, 2006

Rose Bowl lights up for the summer

Posted on 04/01/2006 in Hampshire

Hampshire have successfully installed six floodlights at the Rose Bowl to become the fourth ground in England to have permanent fixtures in place. The ground will host a floodlit Twenty20 match on June 15 when England face Sri Lanka, as well as England's match against Pakistan on September 5 in the NatWest Series.