Cricket: Veteran in spotlight

LONDON - A veteran batsman just back from one of the shortest retirements on record will steal the limelight ahead of a host of international overseas players when the English county championship starts tomorrow.

David Byas, who led Yorkshire to their first title for 33 years last year, has been accused of all but treachery and treason because of his shock decision to link up with arch-rivals Lancashire.

The 38-year-old, warned by Yorkshire that he was to lose the captaincy after six years, announced he was quitting the game at the end of last season to return to his farm.

Within weeks, he stunned the Tykes by accepting a one-year contract after being approached by Lancashire.

Yorkshire and England paceman Darren Gough, who had a difficult relationship with his former captain, said it was a "snub" to the champions. "You don't win the championship one season, retire, and then join your arch-rivals a few months after hanging up your boots."

Once again, Australians provide the bulk of the overseas players.