Cricket: Progress makes the head spin

By Richard Boock

England cricket authorities have decided to shine a ray of light on their one-day cricket programme next season. Artificial light, that is.

The home of cricket will emerge from the Dark Ages during next year's triangular series involving England, the West Indies and Zimbabwe when it stages one-day internationals under floodlights for the first time in its history.

The move continues a giddy season of change as far as English cricket is concerned, following the move to allow women into the MCC, the use of coloured clothing in ODIs, and the decision to design the new Lord's pressbox along the lines of a spaceship.

England will play two tests against Zimbabwe and five against the West Indies before joining in a triangular one-day series including three day-night matches.

Bristol will host the first, to be played between the West Indies and Zimbabwe on July 6, with the second (England-West Indies) set down for Old Trafford a week later, and the third (England-Zimbabwe) at Edgbaston on July 18.

England A, meanwhile, have made one change to the squad who are about to embark on their tour of Bangladesh and New Zealand, where they will play two "tests" and three "ODIs."

Sussex pace bowler James Kirtley has been called up for the winter tour after Durham's Steve Harmison was ruled out with a knee injury.

Kirtley, aged 24, was his county's leading strike-bowler last season with 65 wickets at an average of 23.13.

Captained by Mark Alleyne, England A have not lost a first-class match since their 1994 tour of South Africa, and are expected to act as a useful yardstick for New Zealand's emerging cricketers, not to mention the New Zealand selectors.

"Historically the A team tours have proved successful," said manager Mike Gatting, "and we hope we can carry on that tradition this time as well."

On the eve of their departure, the tourists have received an added incentive to perform well, this time from team sponsor Vodafone.

A $3000 bonus will be awarded to the A team's best fieldsman, bowler and batsman in each match - to be judged by coach Martyn Moxon and Gatting.

Alleyne said the awards were not necessary in terms of individual performance, but that the team were grateful for the unexpected surprise.

"The players don't need an incentive to score runs, take wickets or field well," he said. "But this sort of thing is a welcome bonus, nevertheless."