ECB Latest News

Hoggard makes England squad

Sun, 11 May 08 21:41:13 BST

The England selectors have named a 12-man squad for the first two Tests of the npower series against New Zealand, starting on Thursday at Lord's. Matthew Hoggard is included but the injured Andrew Flintoff misses out.

Lancs claim Roses battle

Sun, 11 May 08 21:46:56 BST

Francois Du Plessis hit a brilliant unbeaten 77 to give Lancashire Lightning a thrilling three-wicket Friends Provident Trophy win over Roses rivals Yorkshire Carnegie at Old Trafford.

Yorkshire reached 204 for seven thanks to a knock of 65 from Jacques Rudolph, while Kyle Hogg bowled impressively to finish with 3-27 from his 10 overs.

The hosts were struggling on 76 for five in the 22nd over of a Duckworth-Lewis affected 45-over chase of 214.

But South African Du Plessis struck 77 in 80 balls and, combined with Hogg (31) and helped the Lightning home despite the best efforts of veteran Yorkshire bowler Darren Gough, who claimed 3-43.

The result meant Lancashire stayed top of the North Division on seven points, which made them favourites to qualify for the quarter-finals, while Yorkshire are in third with four points.

Elsewhere in the division, Durham Dynamos ended Scotland Satires' hopes of reaching the knockout stages with a 46-run win in a match also affected by Duckworth-Lewis at the Citylets Grange.

Durham had made 181 for nine with Ben Harmison top scoring on 29, while John Blain captured 3-31 but the Scots were only able to muster 52 for five - 46 runs short of the amended target.

In the South West Division, Worcestershire Royals thrashed Hampshire Hawks by nine wickets at New Road after Simon Jones took his best one-day figures of 5-32 as Vikram Solanki (81) and Steve Davies (76 not out) helped the Pears home.

Gloucestershire Gladiators claimed a four-wicket victory over Somerset Sabres thanks largely to Craig Spearman's unbeaten 140 in 119 balls.

Somerset posted 290 for six as captain Justin Langer weighed in with 112no but Spearman smashed 12 fours and two sixes in blistering innings to take Gloucestershire home with 10 balls to spare.

Jason Gallian straight drives for Essex Eagles In the South East Division, Martin van Jaarsveld's second century of the competition helped Kent Spitfires ease to a nine-wicket victory over Sussex Sharks.

Kent reached their victory total of 219 with 47 balls to spare at Canterbury after Simon Cook had earlier snaffled three for 41 as the Sharks reached 218 for nine.

Essex Eagles remained top the division after they defeated Surrey Brown Caps by 156 runs, rattling up their highest total in limited overs cricket.

Mark Pettini's one-day best of 144, which included 17 fours and two sixes, and Jason Gallian's 117 propelled Essex to 391 for five at the Brit Oval before they skittled Surrey for 235 as David Masters claimed 5-17 despite Mark Ramprakash's 98.

Nottinghamshire Outlaws climbed above opponents Leicestershire Foxes at the top of the Midlands Division with a two-wicket victory.

Darren Pattinson (4-35) and Samit Patel (3-34) helped bowl Leicestershire out for 197, with Paul Nixon hitting 75 and Boeta Dippenaar 51.

Matt Wood (50) put on 84 for the first wicket with Will Jefferson for Notts, before James Allenby took four wickets but Luke Fletcher hit the winning runs off the last ball of the match.

Elsewhere, Northamptonshire Steelbacks remained in touch with leaders after a 144-run stand between Riki Wessels and Stephen Peters helped them to a five-wicket victory over Warwickshire Bears.

The Bears reached 232 for eight from their 50 overs, with Jonathan Trott leading the way with 120 from 142 balls.

Left-arm seamer Neil Carter ripped through the Northants top order with three wickets in four deliveries to reduce the visitors to 12 for three, but Peters (97) and Wessels (78) guided the Steelbacks to a comfortable win.

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Rashid sparkles in draw

Sun, 11 May 08 17:51:19 BST

Adil Rashid served a further reminder of his undoubted talent by taking three late wickets at the Rose Bowl, including the impressive New Zealand opening batsmen.

Competition boosts England

Sun, 11 May 08 13:59:34 BST

National selector Geoff Miller is adamant the competition for places in England’s side will enhance their displays in the three-match Test match series against New Zealand.

Prior reaps the rewards

Sun, 11 May 08 10:38:47 BST

Matt Prior has revealed how his hard work this winter has helped him enjoy a superb start to the season and put himself back in the frame for further England recognition.

Kent hold nerve at Trent Bridge

Sat, 10 May 08 18:27:00 BST

Leaders Nottinghamshire suffered their first LV County Championship Division One defeat of the season as Kent won a tense Trent Bridge encounter by three wickets.

Wessels bides his time

Sat, 10 May 08 20:05:25 BST

Northamptonshire wicketkeeper-batsman Riki Wessels scored 145 in a three-day match against Cardiff UCCE but is still struggling to hold down a regular first-team place.

Flintoff out for two Tests

Sat, 10 May 08 13:08:26 BST

England's Andrew Flintoff experienced discomfort in his left side whilst bowling for Lancashire on Friday and has been ruled unavailable for the opening two npower Tests.

Tremlett itching for chance

Sun, 11 May 08 13:41:48 BST

Chris Tremlett is confident his body has overcome his bad run of injuries and is better prepared for the rigours of international cricket if given another chance by England.

Tremlett shines for Lions

Fri, 9 May 08 19:33:24 BST

Chris Tremlett emerged from a disappointing winter to press his claims for an England recall with a useful bowling display for the Lions against New Zealand.