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Sunday 20 October 2013
Willey joins Auckland for NZ T20
Northants all-rounder David Willey has signed to play for Auckland Aces in New Zealand's domestic Twenty20 tournament.
Willey will miss the first three matches of the competition, which runs between 1 November and 18 January 2014, but will be available thereafter.
Auckland have also signed Australian batsman Brad Hodge, Sussex all-rounder Luke Wright and Gloucestershire fast bowler James Fuller.
"Each gives us something different," said Auckland coach Matt Horne.
Willey enjoyed a superb season in all forms of cricket for Northants in 2013, and was named man of the match when the Steelbacks thrashed Surrey in the final of the FLt20 in August.
OK, Denver Broncos Fans: Let�s See How Your Mighty Team Competes Against Men
I'm a true believer in Peyton Manning, as any right-thinking American should be.
But, as far as the Broncos as a whole: Not so much.
They've made their rep thus far bullying the league's pink teams.
Yes, they looked good against Baltimore. Then they ripped the Giants, currently winless and friendless.
They beat the Raiders, currently, um, 2-4.
They again looked good against the Eagles, but then made Tony Romo look all-world in a 51-48 squeaker over the Cowboys.
Oh yeah, then Chad Henne of the Jaguars threw for over 300 yards against them Sunday.
Yes, that Chad Henne. Yes, those Jaguars.
Now they'll face the Colts' Andrew Luck and I don't believe I need remind anyone that Chad Henne is no Andrew Luck.
Do I?
So you Bronco boosters talk to me after this game. In the meantime, here's more on the Broncos-Colts and the other big matchups this weekend.
And if you're one of those discerning people, like me, who isn't quite ready to just hand the Super Bowl trophy over to the Broncos, let me know. I'm getting hammered here by the Bronco-Nazis.
- Getty Images
India Win Run Fest To Square Series
Virat Kohli's record-breaking innings helped India cruise to victory.Action Images / Paul Childs LivepicIndia 362-1 (R Sharma 141no) beat
Australia 359-5 (Bailey 92no) by 9 wickets
Second One-Day International, Jaipur
Scorecard
India won a ridiculously high-scoring second ODI against Australia to square the seven-match series at one apiece. The Australians piled up 359 for five from their 50 overs as their top five all passed 50, but India made mincemeat of it.
Openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan powered 176 off the first 26 overs of the run chase, with Virat Kohli then joining Sharma to up the tempo even further. He smashed the fastest century by an Indian in ODI cricket off just 52 balls to ease India home in the 44th over by nine wickets.
Tonight’s chase is the second highest in the 3420-match history of ODI cricket, behind the 438 at Johannesburg.
Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma didn’t appear at all daunted by the huge total that Australia’s batsmen had piled up after winning the toss. Dhawan continued his superb form of late by reaching 50 off 55 balls, while Sharma made 50 off 54 as the 100 came up in just the 17th over.
Australia finally got a wicket with the score on 176 as Dhawan was caught by Brad Haddin off James Faulkner five short of a well-deserved century. However, that only made matters worse as Virat Kohli walked in.
He was with Sharma when he reached a welcome century off 102 balls and did the bulk of the run-scoring in their unbroken second-wicket partnership of 186 in just 104 balls. Kohli reached his century shortly before the end, with Sharma then finishing the match in fitting fashion by pummelling Glenn Maxwell for a hat-trick of boundaries.
Australia’s bowlers took a right battering as four conceded more than eight an over and two - Clint McKay and Shane Watson - went for more than nine.
Earlier in the day, their batsman had done a much better job. Aaron Finch and Phil Hughes began the match in what must rank as fairly sedate fashion in the circumstances, adding 74 in 15.2 overs for the first-wicket. Finch scored 50 of those off 53 balls, with Hughes taking a while to get going. He played the anchor role, hitting 83 off 103 balls, and added 108 with Shane Watson (59 off 53) balls for the second-wicket.
George Bailey and Glenn Maxwell then provided the late impetus and gave a taste of what was to come when Virat Kohli batted. Bailey bludgeoned five sixes en route to 92 not out off 50 balls, while Maxwell smacked 53 off only 32. The pair added 96 in little more than eight overs.
Australia ended on 359 for five, but with the form of the Indian batsmen, even another 100 might not have been enough. The two sides meet again in the third match at Mohali on Saturday.
© Cricket World 2013
Wallace Replaces Injured Mommsen
Group A
Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Namibia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United States of America
Group B
Afghanistan, Bermuda, Denmark, Kenya, Netherlands, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Scotland
Friday 18 October 2013
Virgin Offers Free Sports Luggage Service
Virgin Offers Free Sports Luggage ServiceCricketers heading abroad this winter or going on tour would do well to take advantage of Virgin Atlantic's offer of free check-in of sports luggage on its Little Red service.
Bulky, heavy cricket bags can end up costing you extra money to get to your destination but Virgin will allow an extra 23 kg of baggage allowance for sports equipment.
Virgin Atlantic’s free sports luggage policy is available on its domestic Little Red service as well as on international routes all over the globe.
On each flight, Little Red offers a taste of the customer service Virgin Atlantic is world-renowned for with pre-assigned seats, complimentary snacks and drinks and even hot breakfasts on early morning flights.
Tyrrells have created special Little Red 'Plane crisps' made from miniature potatoes, Bacardi Martini offer a variety of exclusive miniature spirits and Scotland’s favourite drink, Irn Bru is available on the on the Scottish services.
Bringing a splash of red to the skies, Sir Richard Branson’s Little Red service flies from London Heathrow and six times daily to Edinburgh, three times daily to Aberdeen as well as and four daily round-trips between Manchester and Heathrow.
Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic and ultimate kite surfer said: "How can we hold back our nation of sports-lovers by charging them to travel with their equipment?
"Our free sports luggage policy is just another way Virgin Atlantic is shaking things up, bringing our pioneering spirit to the skies and continuing to deliver exceptional customer service, and thoughtful little extras that have never been available on domestic flights before."
However, it is advised to check the policy in detail before travelling as items heavier than 23 kg may incur extra costs and some length and height restrictions also apply.
For more information: www.virgin-atlantic.com/us/en/travel-information/baggage/sports-equipment
© Cricket World 2013
Pakistan Eventually Finish Off South Africa
Saeed Ajmal (centre) took four wickets and Misbah-ul-Haq (right) hit the winning runs as Pakistan toppled South Africa in Abu DhabiPakistan 442 (Khurram Manzoor 146) & 45-3 beat
South Africa 249 & 232 by seven wickets
First Test, Abu Dhabi
Scorecard | Day One | Day Two | Day Three
Pakistan survived a late wobble when they lost three wickets for seven runs to see off South Africa and take a seven-wicket win in the first Test in Abu Dhabi.
Despite AB de Villiers' 90 and Robin Peterson's 47, South Africa were bowled out for 232 in their second innings, leaving Pakistan a target of 40.
South Africa, faced with a first Test defeat since January 2011, made sure Pakistan had to work for every run and had them in trouble at seven for three.
However, Younus Khan (9 not out) and Misbah-ul-Haq (28 not out) saw them home with Misbah showing no desire to hang around, clinching the game with two sixes in a 26-ball cameo.
For South Africa to get anything out of this game they would have needed de Villiers, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Peterson and perhaps others to dig in and bat all day at least. However, against Pakistan's consistently effective bowling attack, such resistance didn't come close to materialising.
Having helped de Villiers take South Africa past the 100-mark, nightwatchman Dale Steyn hit out needlessly and was bowled by Zulfiqar Babar for seven.
Pakistan sensed victory when Duminy was trapped in front by Junaid Khan for nought and du Plessis, who hung around for 55 balls, was caught and bowled by Saeed Ajmal for nine.
Then came a combination of resistance and counter-attack from de Villiers (90 in 157 balls) and Peterson (47 not out in 67 balls).
The pair batted together for just under 15 overs to get South Africa within three runs of forcing Pakistan to bat again, at which point de Vliiers was caught by Shan Masood off Junaid. The partnership of 57 was the biggest of the innings.
Vernon Philander (10) hung around as Peterson threw the bat to try to set Pakistan some sort of target but Morne Morkel (0) was unable to help, both men falling to Ajmal, who finished with four for 74.
Junaid returned three for 57, Babar two for 51 and Mohammad Irfan one for 42.
After the tea break, Pakistan set about chasing down 40 runs for victory but made a dreadful start. Philander struck with the new ball to have openers Khurram Manzoor (4) and Masood (0) caught behind and when Azhar Ali was caught by Jacques Kallis off Steyn for three, Pakistan had lost three wickets in 21 balls.
What would South Africa have given at that point to have been able to add just another 50 runs to either of their innings?
Nevertheless, with Younus calmness personified at one end and Misbah on a mission to finish things off in a hurry at the other, it might not have made any difference.
The former faced 36 balls and the latter 26, the winning runs coming when captain Misba hit Peterson over long on for a six to confirm Pakistan's third ever win over South Africa and first since 2007.
In their last match, they lost to Zimbabwe but have now managed to comprehensively beat the world-leading team. Quite a month for Pakistan cricket.
The series continues with the second and final Test in Dubai which begins on 23rd October.
© Cricket World 2013
South Africa Struggle After Misbah Century
Misbah-ul-Haq added 100 in 187 balls as Pakistan remained in control in Abu DhabiSouth Africa 249 (Amla 118) & 72-4 v
Pakistan 442 (Khurram Manzoor 146)
First Test, Abu Dhabi, day three
Scorecard | Day One | Day Two
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq added a century on day three of the first Test against South Africa in Abu Dhabi to help put his side in a dominant position.
Misbah scored 100 in 187 balls as Pakistan were bowled out for 442 and they built on their first-innings lead of 193 by reducing South Africa to 72 for four in their second innings.
There were also runs for Asad Shafiq (54) and Adnan Akmal (32) as Pakistan's batsmen backed up their bowlers' sterling work in bowling South Africa out for 249 in their first innings.
Put under pressure, South Africa's top order then struggled again as Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal and Zulfiqur Babar took a wicket apiece.
Pakista resumed on 263 for three and Khurram Manzoor soon set a new record for the highest score by a Pakistani in a Test match against South Africa before he was caught by Jacques Kallis off Vernon Philander for a magnificent 146 in 266 balls that included 15 fours.
He and Misbah had added 112 for the fourth wicket and Misbah, along with Shafiq, continued to forge Pakistan ahead.
Shafiq fell to Duminy and soon after Misbah had completed his fourth Test century, he was trapped in front by Dale Steyn to leave Pakistan 394 for three.
Akmal then took the opportunity to score as many runs as he could as Ajmal (13), Babar (2) and Junaid (3) offered little resistance.
Steyn (3-88) and Philander (3-84) were the pick of the bowlers while Duminy returned two for 68.
South Africa made a bright enough start to their second innings as Graeme Smith (32) and Alviro Petersen (17) added 38 before Petersen was caught by Akmal off Irfan.
Smith was the next to go when he was stumped off Ajmal and Jacques Kallis was given a birthday to forget when he was trapped in front by Junaid for a five-ball duck.
Hashim Amla hit 118 to prop up South Africa's first innings but the Proteas will need to rely on somebody else for the remainder of this game after he was caught behind off Babar in the final over of the day.
AB de Villiers was left unbeaten on 11 in 28 balls and nightwatchman Steyn did his job as nightwatchman by seeing off five balls without scoring.
© Cricket World 2013
Video - Vaughan Recalls Strictly Come Dancing Shows
Former England captain Michael Vaughan recalls hs time as a contestant on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing game show.
Vaughan was involved in the show in 2012 but now is quite happy enjoying watch the new series with a glass of wine in his hand on Saturday nights.
Vino,Chinese Takeaway.. @bbcstrictly @TheXFactor #Saturdaynightsorted
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 12, 2013
Interestingly, he says that he was more at home doing the Strictly Come Dancing live shows than the studio shows as performing live was, after all, what he was used to as a professional cricketer.
We caught up with Vaughan at Lord's where the 2013 OSCAs were held last month.
© Cricket World 2013
Whitaker To Replace Miller As National Selector
Geoff Miller will stand down as National Selector at the end of the year to be replaced by James WhitakerJames Whitaker is to replace Geoff Miller as England's National Selector, the Engalnd and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have confirmed.
Miller, who has served as National Selector since 2008, informed the ECB during this summer's Ashes series of his desire to stand down.
He will do so on 1st January 2014, when Whitaker, who became a Selector in 2008, will take over.
During Miller's period as National Selector, England won the ICC World Twenty20 in 2010, topped the rankings in all three formats at different times, won three straight Ashes series and were runners-up at the 2013 Champions Trophy.
"Geoff Miller has been an exceptional National Selector presiding over selection during one of the most successful periods in England’s cricket history," ECB Chief Executive David Collier said.
"He developed an excellent relationship with the Counties and with the England management team and he will be greatly missed by everyone at ECB. England cricket owes a great debt of gratitude to Geoff for the outstanding contribution he has made to the game and to the fortunes of our national team.
"James Whitaker brings experience and continuity having been a Selector since 2008 and we are convinced he will continue the excellent selection process which Geoff has led so efficiently since 2008.
"James was a member of the Ashes winning team in 1986-87 and led Leicestershire to two County Championship successes in 1996 and 1998. He scored more than 17,000 first class runs in his distinguished career and ECB wishes James every success in his new role. ‘
Whitaker added: "I am honoured to have been invited to be National Selector and greatly look forward to working with the newly appointed Managing Director of England Cricket, my fellow selectors – England Team Director Andy Flower and One Day coach Ashley Giles - as we seek to build on the recent success of England teams.
"I wish to thank Geoff Miller for his leadership of the Selectors since 2008. Geoff’s contribution cannot be overstated and I hope that I shall prove to be a worthy successor to a man who has brought stability, diligence and great judgement to our selection process in the last five years."
Geoff Miller concluded: "The last six years have been as enjoyable as any time in my cricketing career and it will be sad to step down after a 14 year period as first an England Selector and then the National Selector.
"The relationships and friendships that I have built up during that time with Hugh Morris, the Managing Director – England Cricket, and all at the ECB are something I will cherish.
"However I feel that this is the perfect time to hand over the reins and I cannot think of anyone more suitable than James Whitaker to assume control of the selection panel. He has been a most loyal colleague who now has the chance to continue the success to which he has contributed so much, so far.
"I wish him, Andy Flower, Ashley Giles and all the England players the very best of in the years ahead and I am sure that they will continue the pathway to success not only this winter but also in the years to come."
© Cricket World 2013
Anderson extends Lancashire deal
England bowler James Anderson has signed a contract extension with Division Two champions Lancashire.
The 31-year-old has added an extra year to his current deal to keep him at the club until the end of the 2015 season.
Anderson, who is centrally contracted by England, played a key role in the recent Ashes win and heads to Australia for the return series this winter.
"I am always proud to wear the Lancashire shirt and I am delighted to extend my stay," said Anderson.
Mike Watkinson Lancashire director of cricket "It was great to return to Old Trafford in the summer for the Ashes Test match and use the great facilities after the ground's redevelopment."“Jimmy has been an outstanding player and a great ambassador for the club”
Anderson has played 87 Test matches, 174 one-day and 19 Twenty20 internationals for England, taking 592 international wickets across the three formats, and signed a new two-year deal at Lancashire 13 months ago.
Lancashire director of cricket Mike Watkinson added: "Jimmy has been an outstanding player and a great ambassador for the club.
"It is great to see him play for us when his international duties allow him to, and we are pleased that he has signed a new deal for Lancashire."
Lancashire secured promotion back to Division One at the first attempt after they drew with Leicestershire and third-placed Essex drew at Kent last month.
AUDIO: Jones reflects on 'average' 2013
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AUDIO: Nosworthy to change Somerset style
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Downton named MD in ECB reshuffle
Ex-England wicketkeeper Paul Downton has been named as the England and Wales Cricket Board's new managing director. 
Born: 4 April 1957, in Kent County career: Kent (1977 - 1980), Middlesex (1980 - 1991) County honours: Six County Championship titles (2 x Kent, 4 x Middlesex) International career: 30 Tests (1981-1988) and 28 ODIs (1977-1988) Retired: 1991 following a freak eye injury. Forged a successful law career in the City with HSBC, Cazenove and JP Morgan. Since retiring in 1991, he has been an active member of Middlesex, ECB Cricket and MCC committees and pursued a law career in the City.
The ECB has also appointed ex-Test batsman James Whitaker as chairman of selectors after announcing Geoff Miller's surprise resignation.
Downton, 56, replaces Hugh Morris, who quit to take up the dual role of chief executive and managing director at County Championship side Glamorgan.Ex-England captains Andrew Strauss and Nasser Hussain were linked to the job.
"I am honoured to have been offered this position and the trust which the ECB has placed in me," said Downton, who starts his new job on 1 February.
"I am excited by the challenge of building on the success which England teams have enjoyed at all levels in recent years."
Downton played 30 Tests for England between 1981 and 1988, plus 28 one-day internationals. He was part of the squads which won the Ashes in 1981 and 1985, and reached the 1987 World Cup final.
The ex-Kent and Middlesex player also played in six County Championship-winning teams. He was forced to retire from the game after a bail struck him in the eye during a Sunday League match.
Born: 4 April 1957, in Kent County career: Kent (1977 - 1980), Middlesex (1980 - 1991) County honours: Six County Championship titles (2 x Kent, 4 x Middlesex) International career: 30 Tests (1981-1988) and 28 ODIs (1977-1988) Retired: 1991 following a freak eye injury. Forged a successful law career in the City with HSBC, Cazenove and JP Morgan. Since retiring in 1991, he has been an active member of Middlesex, ECB Cricket and MCC committees and pursued a law career in the City. ECB chief executive David Collier said Downton's experience in cricket and business made him "the outstanding candidate" to replace Morris, who announced he was leaving the role last month and had said Strauss, 36, would do a "great job" if named as his successor.
Collier added: "Paul's experience of a World Cup final, Ashes success, six County Championship wins and 58 international appearances for England provides a wealth of cricket experience.
"His background in law when coupled with his experience in the City provides the unique set of skills which is required to lead and manage the England Cricket Department's £100m budget over the next four years."
The ECB said Miller, 61, announced his intention to step down from his role during the summer's Ashes win against Australia. He joined the England selection panel in 2000, before replacing David Graveney as chairman of selectors eight years later.
Former England and Leicestershire batsman Whitaker, 51, replaces Miller after being part of the selection panel for the past eight years.
England beat New Zealand in opener
Womens International Triangular Series, Bridgetown:
England 111-5 (19.1 overs) beat New Zealand 109-6 (20 overs) by five wickets
England got off to a fine start in the tri-nation Twenty20 women's series with a five-wicket victory against New Zealand at Bridgetown in Barbados.Captain Charlotte Edwards made 42 before Tamsin Beaumont's unbeaten 29 from 23 balls helped England chase down a target of 110.
Twenty20 tri-series (all games in Barbados):
14 Oct: West Indies beat New Zealand by 23 runs 16 Oct: England beat New Zealand by five wickets 18 Oct: West Indies v England 20 Oct: West Indies v New Zealand 22 Oct: New Zealand v England 24 Oct: West Indies v England 26 Oct: FinalWest Indies v England one-day series (all games in Trinidad):
29 Oct: 1st ODI 1 Nov: 2nd ODI 3 Nov: 3rd ODI Earlier, Natalie Sciver and Holly Colvin took two wickets each as New Zealand were restricted to 109-6.England play West Indies at the same venue on 18 October.
"It felt great to get out there and put in a great performance to get the team over the line," said Beaumont.
"Charlotte got us off to a good start and that meant I could just come in and express myself at the end."
Despite not taking any wickets, opening bowler Natasha Farrant was arguably the pick of the England attack, conceding only 12 runs from four overs.
Captain Suzie Bates top-scored for New Zealand with 48 off 51 balls.
Following their defeat by West Indies in their opening game, this was New Zealand's second loss of the tournament.
After the tri-series - in which the three sides play each opponent twice before the top two meet in the final - England move to Trinidad for a best-of-three one-day series against West Indies.
Machan signs two-year Sussex deal
Scotland international batsman Matt Machan has signed a new two-year contract with Sussex.
The 22-year-old Brighton-born left-hander came through the club's academy and scored his maiden first-class century this season.
"After having a breakthrough season this year, there was only one place I could see me playing my cricket over the next couple of years," he said.
"I'd like to thank everyone who has helped me to get to where I am now."
Continue reading the main storyMark Robinson Sussex cricket manager He added: "I will continue to work hard to achieve my current and future goals."“We are all excited about the prospect of Matt building on his successes of last season”
Machan featured four times for Sussex in the County Championship last season and topped the averages for the Hove-based club in both one-day competitions.
He averaged 64.25 in the YB40 and 31.28 in the FLt20.
Machan qualifies for Scotland through his parents and he made both his one-day and Twenty20 international debuts in 2013.
He hit his maiden ODI century in June when he scored 114 in the match against Kenya in Aberdeen.
Sussex cricket manager Mark Robinson said: "Matt had an outstanding year in all forms of the game.
"We are all excited about the prospect of him building on his successes of last season."
McDermott rejoins Australia as coach
Former Australia fast bowler Craig McDermott has been recalled to coach Darren Lehmann's backroom staff ahead of the winter Ashes series.
McDermott, 48, quit his job as Australia's bowling coach last year, but now returns as Test bowling coach.
The first match of the five-Test series between Australia and England starts in Brisbane on 21 November.
McDermott said: "I'll work as hard as possible to prepare our bowlers for the challenge ahead."
Born in Ipswich, Queensland in April 1965 Made his Test debut against West Indies in December 1984 Played his last Test match against Sri Lanka in January 1996 Took 291 wickets in 71 Tests Replaced Troy Cooley as Australia bowling coach in May 2011 Resigned from the role exactly one year later Took job as Ireland bowling coach ahead of the World Twenty20 in September 2012 The Queenslander, who took 291 wickets in 71 Tests for Australia between 1984 and 1996, added: "I'm very happy to be in a position to join the Australian coaching set-up again and I look forward to working closely with Darren Lehmann."There is obviously a huge focus on regaining the Ashes this summer."
McDermott cited a busy schedule as the reason for his departure last May.
Four months later, he coached Ireland's bowlers for the World Twenty20.
Ali de Winter - who was appointed as McDermott's replacement in August 2012 - will look after Australia's bowlers for the one-day and Twenty20 internationals.
Lehmann believes the split approach will give McDermott more time to help Australia wrestle back the Ashes urn from England, who retained them this summer with a 3-0 series win.
"It's great that Craig is now in a position to be involved again," said Lehmann.
"It also means we are able to allow Ali to focus on the limited overs formats ahead of the ICC World T20 and 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup which are coming up quickly."
New deals for Leicestershire quartet
Leicestershire quartet Anthony Ireland, Angus Robson, Tom Wells and James Sykes have all signed contract extensions.
Seamer Ireland, 18, opening batsman Robson, 21 and all-rounder Wells, 20, have agreed one-year deals.
Slow left-arm spinner Sykes, 21, has signed a two-year contract.
Ireland was Leicestershire's leading wicket-taker in the FLt20 competition, while Sykes, Robson and Wells all made their first-class debuts for the county during the 2013 season.
Newton and Keogh stay at Northants
Northants batsmen Rob Keogh and Rob Newton have signed new contracts with the promoted county.
Keogh, 21, has signed a two-year contract, with the 23-year-old Newton agreeing a three-year deal.
Continue reading the main storyNorthants head coach David Ripley Keogh made 458 Championship runs in eight games last season, including a vital double-century against Hampshire.“Rob Keogh marks himself hard, but towards the end of last season he's shown what a good player he is”
Newton started the campaign strongly, scoring 251 runs in six matches before injuring his ankle in a one-day match against Kent in June.
Head coach David Ripley told BBC Sport: "Rob Keogh took some big strides forward at the end of last season.
"The double-hundred against Hampshire after we were 32-4 on a green wicket speaks for itself, but he backed that up against Worcestershire in the Championship, and also in the YB40.
"He marks himself hard, but I think he's shown himself what a good player he is. He's a local lad who has been coming to the club since he was 14, and it's good to see him taking his game to a higher level.
"Rob Newton is a destructive player in all formats of the game. He was in the last year of his contract last season and understandably wanted to see where we were as a club, but he saw enough before he was injured to know he wanted to be part of what we were doing.
"He's one of a group of young players who've come through the academy and want to be competitive."
Twenty-year-old batsman James Kettleborough, who did not play for the first team last season, has also signed a new one-year deal.
Earlier this week the club confirmed that experienced top-order batsman David Sales had also agreed a new one-year contract.
Nosworthy reflects on 'tough' season
Director of cricket Dave Nosworthy says Somerset will learn from their "tough" relegation fight this season.
In 2012, the Taunton club finished runners up in the Championship.
But in Nosworthy's first term in charge this year, their Division One status was only secured on the penultimate day of the Championship campaign.
"It's been tough. Some people are saying the honeymoon is over now. If that was the honeymoon, I'd hate to be married," Nosworthy told BBC Somerset.
"It has been tough but at the same time I've learnt a lot. I'm sure the guys have also learnt a lot from going through it, compared to what we've been used to.
"Some of the worst times of adversity are when you learn the most. A lot of lessons have been taken from this season and hopefully in the off-season we can put in to place what needs to be put in place."
Under Nosworthy's predecessor Brian Rose, Somerset won the Twenty20 Cup, secured promotion to Division One and reached the knock out stages of both one-day competitions for three consecutive seasons.
Although their limited-overs game continued in the same vein this year - they reached the semi-finals of the YB40 and quarter-finals in the FLt20 - their four-day form faltered.
They won three and drew eight of their 16 games to finish sixth in the standings, and the performances of their top-order batsman - including captain Marcus Trescothick and England's Nick Compton - were called in to question.
And Nosworthy, 45, revealed that they plan to change their style of play for next season, in order to keep their batsman at the crease for longer periods.
Born 25 December, 1967 Top order batsman for Border and Northern Transvaal in South Africa Coached at Nashua Titans, South Africa U19's and 'A' team before moving to New Zealand Won T20 and state Championship with Canterbury Wizards Returned to South Africa in 2008 to coach Highveld Lions in Johannesburg Appointed at Somerset in December 2012 "The runs were there this season but they were inconsistent. It was a concern that no one stepped up to stop the domino effect of the collapses," said the South African."From a batting point of view, our style is very adventurous and positive, but it's a high risk.
"That's not just this season, I've looked back on these last few seasons. There's definitely a style of playing more aggressively.
"For me, there could be a better work ethic in terms of the amount of balls hit. It's something we're going to look at in the off-season and we're looking for specialist coaches to assist us.
"You need guys to occupy the crease and bat for longer periods. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of players showing flair and I'm not looking for boring cricket, but we need a better balance."
Pakistan end South Africa's run
First Test, Abu Dhabi (day four)
Pakistan 442 & 45-3 beat South Africa 249 & 232 by seven wickets
Pakistan ended South Africa's 15-match unbeaten run with a seven-wicket victory in the first Test in Abu Dhabi.Chasing 40 to beat the world number one side on day four, Pakistan wobbled on 7-3 before completing only a fourth ever victory over the Proteas.
South Africa had previously been bowled out for 249 and 232, either side of centuries from Khurram Manzoor and Misbah-ul-Haq taking Pakistan to 442.
In their last Test match, Pakistan lost by 24 runs to Zimbabwe.
14 - Imran Khan, Javed Miandad
12 - Wasim Akram
11 - Inzamam-ul-Haq, Misbah-ul-Haq
Misbah's side had also been whitewashed 3-0 in South Africa in February, but they continued a fine run of form in the United Arab Emirates - their adopted home after a terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka team in Lahore in 2009.Since then, Pakistan are unbeaten in nine matches in the UAE - a streak that includes the 3-0 whitewash of England in 2012.
Victory over the Proteas was delayed by the efforts of AB De Villiers and Robin Peterson, who at least ensured Graeme Smith's side avoided an innings defeat.
The tourists began the final day on 72-4 - still 121 short of making Pakistan bat again - and slipped further into trouble at 133-6 when Faf du Plessis drilled at off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, who took a fine return catch.
De Villiers, though, found an ally in Peterson for a busy stand of 57, only for the wicketkeeper to fall 10 short of a century, driving Junaid Khan to Shan Masood Khan.
Peterson's defiance continued, but with Ajmal wrapping up the tail for four wickets in the innings and seven in the match, Pakistan were facing a meagre target.
They stumbled as Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn tore through the top three, but Misbah, supported by Younus Khan, led his side to victory on 28 not out, sealing the win by hitting Peterson for six.
Pakistan lead the two-Test series 1-0, with the second match beginning in Dubai on Wednesday.
Record-breaking India stun Australia
Second one-day international, Jaipur:
India 362-1 (43.3 overs) beat Australia 359-5 (50 overs) by nine wickets
India pulled off the second-highest run chase in one-day internationals to thrash Australia by nine wickets and level their series at 1-1.The hosts surged to their target of 360 with 39 balls to spare as Virat Kohli smashed the fastest ODI century by an Indian from just 52 deliveries.
Rohit Sharma struck the winning runs to finish on 141 not out after Shikhar Dhawan weighed in with 95.
The highest run chase is South Africa's 438-9 against Australia in 2006.
India's previous highest successful pursuit was 330-4 to beat Pakistan in Dhaka in 2012.
"I'm not sure what to feel at the moment," said Australia captain George Bailey. "That was some pretty awesome batting.
"It felt like everything we tried with the ball just seemed to go harder and further."
438-9: South Africa v Australia, Johannesburg, 2006
362-1: India v Australia, Jaipur, 2013
350-9: NZ v Australia, Hamilton, 2007
340-5: NZ v Australia, Auckland, 2007
334-8: Australia v England, Sydney, 2011
Batting first, Australia piled up 359-5, with all of their top five passing 50 and Bailey top-scoring with 92 not out off 50 balls.But India made a blistering start to their reply as Dhawan and Sharma put on 176 for the first wicket in only 26.1 overs.
Kohli upped the ante still further with a brutal knock that featured seven sixes and eight fours as he finished unbeaten on 100.
His innings eclipsed Virender Sehwag's 60-ball record for India and was the ninth-fastest one-day hundred of all-time.
"I just wanted to go out there and play my part," he said. "I was hitting the ball sweetly. I decided to take the pressure and whatever I went for I got in the middle of the bat.
"I've been feeling good mentally and I was fresh for this game. I was ready, and I knew if I held my shape I would connect well.
Kohli also paid tribute to 26-year-old Rohit Sharma, whose third one-day century included four sixes and 17 fours.
"Rohit is by far the best of the young lot as far as talent is concerned," said Kohli.
"Once he gets set and gets going it's very difficult to stop him. He's got every shot in the book and it was a delight to watch from the other end."
Australia won the first match of the series by 72 runs. The third one-dayer in a seven-match series takes place in Mohali on Saturday.
VIDEO: Britain's world stars
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Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.VIDEO: Trott hits back at Lehmann criticism
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When is a Briton not a Briton?
There was disquiet across the land: a British team, winning Olympic gold, with more than half its members having grown up thousands of miles away. 
Neither Mo Farah (left) nor Terry Butcher was born in the UK 
Lennox Lewis: His background shows how it can be impossible to neatly define nationality 
Foreign coaches like Jurgen Grobler have had a huge impact on British sport
The year? 1936. And while the story of GB's successful ice hockey team at those Winter Olympics - with nine of its 13-strong squad living in Canada, speaking with Canadian accents and having no memory whatsoever of Britain - has long been forgotten, the contentious issue of national identity in the country's sporting teams skates on.
Athletics:
Mo Farah (Mogadishu, Somalia), Tiffany Porter (Michigan, USA), Yamilé Aldama (Havana, Cuba)
Basketball:
Luol Deng (Wau, Sudan)
Cricket:
Jonathan Trott (Cape Town, South Africa), Kevin Pietersen (above - Pietermaritzburg, South Africa)
Cycling:
Chris Froome (Nairobi, Kenya), Sir Bradley Wiggins (Ghent, Belgium)
Football:
Raheem Sterling (Kingston, Jamaica), Wilfried Zaha (Abidjan, Ivory Coast)
Golf:
Justin Rose (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Rugby Union:
Brad Barritt (Durban, South Africa), Dylan Hartley (Rotorua, New Zealand), Manu Tuilagi (Fogapoa, Samoa), Mako Vunipola (Wellington, New Zealand)
Tennis:
Laura Robson (Melbourne, Australia)
Wrestling:
Olga Butkevych (Zaporizhia, Ukraine)
Much of the debate is complicated, either by emotion or instinct, but there is one thing we can say with certainty: British teams have never, despite what the dewy-eyed and dogmatic would like to think, been the exclusive province of those born in Britain.
A lamentable dilution of the national cause? Bearing in mind the birthplaces of such quintessentially English sporting heroes as Colin Cowdrey (Bangalore, India), Ted Dexter (Milan, Italy) and Bradley Wiggins (Ghent, Belgium), probably not. The first man to win a medal for Great Britain at a modern Olympics, way back in 1896, was Charles Gmelin, born in Krishnagar, India.
Before we start battling through the politics and prejudices of who should be allowed to wear a national jersey, a little more on who legally can.
If you hold a British passport, regardless of where you were born, you are eligible. So Tour de France winner Chris Froome (born in Kenya, schooled in South Africa, with a father and grandparents all born in Britain) rides for Great Britain, with considerable pride.
The same applies to those born and raised overseas, only to subsequently move to the UK, with a British parent, as a child. Which is why Andrew Strauss (born in South Africa, moved to Australia aged six, arrived in southern England before his eighth birthday) could captain England's cricket team, why distance runner Mo Farah (born in Somalia, moved to Britain aged eight to live with his British-born father Mukhtar) wins Olympic and world doubles for Britain, why US Open golf champion Justin Rose (another born in South Africa, who moved to Hampshire aged five) is British not South African.
Having an English, or Scottish, or Welsh, parent or grandparent is enough for both football and rugby's governing bodies, regardless of which passport the player themselves might hold. Of those who immigrate as adults, footballers become eligible for their adopted nation only after five years of continuous residency. The IRB , rugby's governing body, stipulates a residency of just 36 months; the English and Wales Cricket Board seven years.
It's this last category that fires the most argument. Residency might legally qualify you to play for England, or Scotland, or Team GB. But what of hearts and minds? What makes someone British enough to deserve to wear the shirt or parade the flag?
Which is where the problems multiply.
Neither Mo Farah (left) nor Terry Butcher was born in the UK Identity is a complex, often illogical sense, rather than a simple set of universal rules. If each of us were asked to define Britishness, we'd come up with 60 million nuanced versions.
It can't be purely political, or else we would have had one-party rule for the past century. It can't be a single language, or else you could count out large chunks of Wales. Cultural? Nine million people watched Downton Abbey last weekend. Millions more have never seen a single episode.
Often our feelings about a stranger's national identity are based entirely on ourselves. Is that person like me, or people that I know? Do I recognise their version of my country?
Perceptions of patriotism can be shaped by as little as accent, as much as logic. Tiffany Porter, 100m hurdles bronze medallist at this year's World Championships in Moscow, has held dual UK and US citizenship since birth. But her unmistakable American drawl has arguably made her harder for some athletics aficionados to accept, just as some boxing fans never forgave undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis (born in West Ham, raised in London) his Canadian inflection.
Lewis provides an apposite example of how many modern Britons escape neat definition. His parents were Jamaican. Having come to east London as immigrants themselves, they moved the family to Ontario when he was 12.
Lewis subsequently won both the world amateur junior title and an Olympic heavyweight gold for Canada, enough for some British fans to consider his colours forever nailed to the maple. But he says he always felt British, not least for the playground beatings his Cockney accent elicited when he first arrived in his new home, and he returned to the country of his birth as soon as he turned pro.
Then there is the charged effect of ethnicity and religion. England wicketkeeper Matt Prior, born in Johannesburg to a South African mother and English father, moved to Sussex aged 11 - three years older than Farah was when he arrived in Hounslow.
But it is under articles on the black, Muslim Farah that the comments sections are often dominated by unpleasant rows about his supposed Britishness, not those on Prior.
Lennox Lewis: His background shows how it can be impossible to neatly define nationality This is not Prior's fault. But neither is it Farah's. He provided the perfect summation of his own identity in the moments after his 5,000m triumph at London 2012.
"This is where I grew up, this is where I started life. This is my country, and when I put on my Great Britain vest I'm proud. I'm very proud."
Why the distrust of some immigrants in a national shirt? It is sometimes as if a sportsman not born in Britain must somehow care less about the nation's fortunes, or at least care for reasons we don't personally recognise, even though the shining example of NBA star Luol Deng (born in Sudan, granted political asylum with his family and subsequently raised in Brixton) shows often it is the refugee - with the most to lose, and the most to be thankful for - who cares the most.
Why the distrust, in particular, of those who have arrived as adults?
"He's only doing it for the money," comes one complaint. That this motive should be considered detrimental in sport, when it is positively lauded in other careers that immigrants may adopt, says as much about our own attachment to the outdated amateur ideals of long ago as it does about the athlete.
It assumes someone who has come to Britain solely to play sport will somehow try a little less hard than someone born on these shores, even when the motivation of someone who has given up their life elsewhere to gamble all on a new existence could surely seldom be greater.
There is the accusation of opportunism, as if ambition were bad for a sportsman, and as if opportunism wasn't exactly the sort of talent often lauded in the arena.
Opportunism also runs both ways. Sporting governing bodies, particularly before the London Olympics, searched near and far for eligible talent, homegrown or otherwise. As a nation we wanted medals. As a nation we celebrated together when they came. So aren't we all complicit in the process, even if some might find it unsavoury?
For all the kissing of badges and draping of flags, commitment to the national cause is a nebulous thing. Who has contributed more to the country, the sports star born overseas who then helps take their adopted team to the top of the world rankings, or the British-born hero who becomes a tax exile in Monaco to protect their earnings from being ploughed back into the society that nurtured them?
Cricketer Kevin Pietersen came to Nottingham from Natal aged 20 - opportunistically, many would say, because he thought the quota system in the country of his birth would hold back his sporting ambitions.
Next month in Brisbane, Pietersen should make his 100th Test appearance for England - more than Wally Hammond, more than Len Hutton, more than Peter May or Ken Barrington. He has scored more runs across all forms of the international game than any other England player.
Little could indicate greater commitment to the cause. But when Pietersen fails to contribute with bat, or falls out with his team-mates, it is his nationality and that switch that crop up in analysis again and again. Even approaching his Test landmark there is the sense he is appreciated rather than loved by England supporters.
Foreign coaches like Jurgen Grobler have had a huge impact on British sport Where, too, to draw impenetrable national borders?
Sporting success is only partly down to the raw abilities of players and athletes. The quality of coaching they receive can be transformative, which is why German-born Jurgen Grobler is held in such high esteem by the 11 British rowers he has taken to Olympic gold (many of them, as with Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent, multiple times).
Just because Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello failed with England's football team does not mean British sport - and thus national pride, and our collective identity - has not been well served.
To keep British teams for the British would also exclude Zimbabweans Duncan Fletcher and Andy Flower, who together did so much to take England's cricket team from a ranking above only Bangladesh to number one in the world; would mean Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford and Paralympic 100m gold medallist Jonnie Peacock could never have worked with their brilliant American former coach Dan Pfaff and denied six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy the vital input of German Jan van Eijden and Australian Shane Sutton.
Sport reflects the wider world around it. People move, more than ever before - for love, for work, out of choice, out of desperation.
The old world, encapsulated by some in the image of blood-soaked patriot Terry Butcher ignoring intense pain and stern medical advice to see England into the World Cup finals of 1990, is gone, even if it ever truly existed.
Butcher's birthplace? Singapore.
Comments have now been closed on this article because of persistent abuse of the service.Thursday 17 October 2013
Will Instant Replay Kill The Neighborhood Play?
In the end it didn't matter. The Tigers won handily even with Stephen Drew clearly coming well off the bag on a would-be double play in the second inning. (The throw to first would be late.) But what if this extra out, which cost Detroit at least one run, had meant the game? This question's only hypothetical for a few more weeks. What happens to the "neighborhood play" when managers are given the right to challenge calls?Usually if it's anywhere close, the umpire will give the out. Drew wasn't nearly as close as even the photo above makes it seem:As soon as next season, MLB is expected to institute expanded instant replay, relying on a challenge system similar to the NFL's. If that system was in place last night, Jim Leyland almost certainly challenges Austin Jackson being called out at second. And it's most certainly overturned...right?I hesitate to lump the neighborhood play in with baseball's other "unwritten rules," yet that's what it is. But this one has a completely logical reason for existing: as long as runners are allowed to slide through the bag, even out of the basepath, to break up a double play, the fielder needs to get out of the way as quickly as possibly or he'll get wrecked. The neighborhood play has saved countless injuries over the decades. It's a valuable concession to safety and to convention.There are three possible ways I see this going.Managers create a gentlemen's agreement not to challenge neighborhood plays. It's been in baseball forever, it's completely uncontroversial, and every team would be affected. Perhaps everyone shakes hands and says we'll let this one go. This concept works right up until the point it doesn't. Some day, some manager in a crucial spot, perhaps a playoff game, will challenge a nonexistent double play and salvage a rally and a season. He'd be dumb not to. And the central replay office will have to overturn the call—rules are rules. On that day, the uproar will be massive, and distracting.MLB doesn't allow managers to challenge neighborhood plays. In the NFL, nearly every play is reviewable—except for penalties. There's a logic to it, in that some decisions are necessarily judgment calls, and the officials are the final arbiters. MLB already plans to exclude balls and strikes from replay, so perhaps neighborhood plays could fall under the same rubric.This idea isn't technically sound; The most basic fundament of the game is that you have to tag the base while holding a ball to force out a runner. It's not a judgment call. But philosophically, it's much more defensible. Baseball is already selective with its rules for baserunners: they can make contract with fielders only at home plate or when trying to score, but not otherwise, and they can run through the bag at first base but nowhere else. We've already accepted that different situations call for different implementations of the rules, so allowing the neighborhood play wouldn't be an anomaly.Neighborhood plays can be challenged, and all hell breaks loose. This isn't something that happens once in a blue moon. Neighborhood plays are called outs all the time. Once it becomes clear that managers are challenging them, fielders will have to re-learn a large part of turning a double play. Given that they've been doing it since little league, it will take years for the new way to become ingrained.In the meantime, chaos. Challenges—and the accompanying delays—every night. (Remember, if a challenge is successful, a manager receives another one. If the fielder leaves the bag even a split second too early, there's literally no downside to challenging it.) Managers will counter-challenge that the runner was out of the baseline. There will be more injuries, and more throwing errors, as fielders are forced to stay in harm's way to complete the DP. The takeout slide will become a weapon, and the retaliatory beanball will be more common. And then, perhaps in the late innings of a deciding playoff game, a shortstop's foot will be two inches away from the bag when he receives the ball, and those two inches are enough to decide the outcome of a season. The letter of the law spikes the spirit of the game. Everyone gets mad.There's no optimal solution, but this seems like one of those times well enough should be left alone. "We've always done it this way" is no valid argument against change, but it holds some water when the change could bring about more problems than the old way ever did. It's only the ultra-rare, ultra-egregious neighborhood play that creates controversy, and even Stephen Drew's last night wasn't bad enough to trigger a reaction from the Tigers. Leave it to the umpires to make that call—and maybe give them a little nudge to make it more often—and leave instant replay for righting the significant wrongs.
Wednesday 16 October 2013
Who Had The Worse 2013 Season: Levi Brown Or Mike Goodson?
We're only six weeks into the NFL season, but Levi Brown and Mike Goodson already finished theirs due to injuries incurred in Sunday's Steelers-Jets game. Whose season sucked more?Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Levi Brown was traded to the Steelers for a conditional draft pick on Oct. 2, because Pittsburgh desperately needed line help so Ben Roethlisberger wouldn't get knocked into the Monongahela. Brown hurt his tricep while warming up before Sunday's game (Pittsburgh had a Week 5 bye) and was placed on injured reserve. He hadn't played a snap. The "good" news? Because Brown didn't spend five weeks on the active roster, the Steelers don't have to give the Cardinals a draft pick.Running back Mike Goodson kicked off his Jets career with a four-game suspension following an arrest in May on charges of possession of marijuana (less than 50 grams), possession of paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a loaded handgun, and possession of hollow-point bullets. Goodson played two games before tearing his ACL and MCL last Sunday, ending up on the Jets' injured reserve. His season stats: seven rushes for 36 yards and two catches for 19 yards.Goodson's season is obviously the worse of the two. Arrest, suspension, shredded knee. It's the NFL shit trifecta. But Brown's season has the "virtue" of being uniquely shitty. It barely registers anywhere on the books. Four games played; traded for nothing. Almost a nullity. His season was so dreary that it's not even notable for being the worst individual season of 2013.Photos: Rich Schultz/Getty Images, Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Why Redskins Star Alfred Morris' Dream Is This Humble 1991 Mazda 626
Washington Redskins breakout running back Alfred Morris is the kind of guy who could probably drive whatever he wants. But his ride of choice is still "The Bentley," a 1991 Mazda 626 he bought from his pastor while he was in college. Now, four months and 275 man hours later, The Bentley is back and better than ever and Morris couldn't be happier.I went out to Chantilly to see what a manufacturer-restored 1991 Mazda 626 looks like, and to meet the football player who loves this humble car so much that he wants to keep it on the road for at least another 20 years.
SOver the past few months, Morris' 626 underwent a full restoration at the hands of master technicians at several D.C.-area Mazda dealerships who donated their time, manpower and money to bring it back to near-1991 factory specs — with a couple of modern modifications thrown in for fun. And today at Brown's Chantilly Mazda, the car was unveiled for the first time to a grateful Morris, who was ecstatic to get his beloved car back in better shape than it's been since it was brand new."I'm speechless," he told the gathered crowd of reporters and Mazda employees, many of whom worked to rebuild his car. "It's been a while, and I can't wait to drive it."SMorris, a Pensacola native, said he bought the 626 from his pastor for $2 back when he was playing for Florida Atlantic University. (The car still has an expired parking sticker from the college on its windshield.)Morris is a cheerful, affable, down to earth guy. Even though he's an NFL star with an NFL salary, he said he had more reasons to keep The Bentley than to get rid of it."This is my baby, man," he said. "It's more than just a car. I didn't grow up with a lot. This helps me remember where I come from and where I'm going."SMore than that, like a lot of people who own older cars, Morris said he just loves "the feel of it." He's our kind of car guy — one who found the car he loves, the car he identifies with, and wants to have it forever."It's old school, like I am," he said. "I know I haven't been around long, but I have an old spirit." He even hopes to pass it on to his kids someday, to remind them that you have to start humble and work hard before you become a success. Plus, the car is a five-speed manual, which lets him get a chuckle at people who can't drive stick."It's not that hard!" he said. "The hardest part is getting it out of first. I don't even have to look at the RPMs anymore, I just listen to it. The bad thing is the stick makes me feel like I'm Speed Racer."So when the D.C.-area Mazda dealers saw on the TV news that the Redskins' ace running back was still rolling around in a '91 626 he had no plans to get rid of, they decided to fix it up for him.SThe restoration of Morris' car is the stuff older car owners dream about when they go to sleep at night. Mazda technicians removed the powertrain, rebuilt the 2.2-liter, 110 horsepower four-cylinder engine, installed new hoses, gaskets and rubber items, put in a new air conditioner (the old one didn't work), added new brakes front and rear, put on a new exhaust system, and even replaced the battery and alternator.On the outside, the body was stripped to the bare metal, the hood, fenders, bumpers and other rusted parts were replaced, all body panels was completely repainted and clear coated, new headlights and taillights were installed, new chrome 626 emblems were put on, and refurbished 15 inch alloy wheels with new Michelin tires were mounted. Mazda said they even had to make some new exterior trim pieces using the original molds in Japan just for this project.SThings get a bit crazier on the inside. Because Morris calls the car "The Bentley," they added Bentley-style cross stitched leather seats. Technicians also installed a new dashboard and a 7-inch touchscreen Pioneer stereo with Bluetooth.The result is a car that looks, minus its interior modifications, like it came off the showroom floor 22 years ago, dazzling everyone who saw it. Never has more attention been heaped on a 1991 Mazda that didn't win Le Mans.Morris said he was extremely thankful for the work done and glad to have his car back. He's been driving a new Mazda6 since the project began, and while he said that's nice, he's eager to take the better-than-ever Bentley out for a spin."I'm just going to sit in the parking lot and listen to it," he said.SSSSSSSSUpdate: Mazda sent over a few photos the car before and during its restoration. Check 'em out below. SSSSSS
SOver the past few months, Morris' 626 underwent a full restoration at the hands of master technicians at several D.C.-area Mazda dealerships who donated their time, manpower and money to bring it back to near-1991 factory specs — with a couple of modern modifications thrown in for fun. And today at Brown's Chantilly Mazda, the car was unveiled for the first time to a grateful Morris, who was ecstatic to get his beloved car back in better shape than it's been since it was brand new."I'm speechless," he told the gathered crowd of reporters and Mazda employees, many of whom worked to rebuild his car. "It's been a while, and I can't wait to drive it."SMorris, a Pensacola native, said he bought the 626 from his pastor for $2 back when he was playing for Florida Atlantic University. (The car still has an expired parking sticker from the college on its windshield.)Morris is a cheerful, affable, down to earth guy. Even though he's an NFL star with an NFL salary, he said he had more reasons to keep The Bentley than to get rid of it."This is my baby, man," he said. "It's more than just a car. I didn't grow up with a lot. This helps me remember where I come from and where I'm going."SMore than that, like a lot of people who own older cars, Morris said he just loves "the feel of it." He's our kind of car guy — one who found the car he loves, the car he identifies with, and wants to have it forever."It's old school, like I am," he said. "I know I haven't been around long, but I have an old spirit." He even hopes to pass it on to his kids someday, to remind them that you have to start humble and work hard before you become a success. Plus, the car is a five-speed manual, which lets him get a chuckle at people who can't drive stick."It's not that hard!" he said. "The hardest part is getting it out of first. I don't even have to look at the RPMs anymore, I just listen to it. The bad thing is the stick makes me feel like I'm Speed Racer."So when the D.C.-area Mazda dealers saw on the TV news that the Redskins' ace running back was still rolling around in a '91 626 he had no plans to get rid of, they decided to fix it up for him.SThe restoration of Morris' car is the stuff older car owners dream about when they go to sleep at night. Mazda technicians removed the powertrain, rebuilt the 2.2-liter, 110 horsepower four-cylinder engine, installed new hoses, gaskets and rubber items, put in a new air conditioner (the old one didn't work), added new brakes front and rear, put on a new exhaust system, and even replaced the battery and alternator.On the outside, the body was stripped to the bare metal, the hood, fenders, bumpers and other rusted parts were replaced, all body panels was completely repainted and clear coated, new headlights and taillights were installed, new chrome 626 emblems were put on, and refurbished 15 inch alloy wheels with new Michelin tires were mounted. Mazda said they even had to make some new exterior trim pieces using the original molds in Japan just for this project.SThings get a bit crazier on the inside. Because Morris calls the car "The Bentley," they added Bentley-style cross stitched leather seats. Technicians also installed a new dashboard and a 7-inch touchscreen Pioneer stereo with Bluetooth.The result is a car that looks, minus its interior modifications, like it came off the showroom floor 22 years ago, dazzling everyone who saw it. Never has more attention been heaped on a 1991 Mazda that didn't win Le Mans.Morris said he was extremely thankful for the work done and glad to have his car back. He's been driving a new Mazda6 since the project began, and while he said that's nice, he's eager to take the better-than-ever Bentley out for a spin."I'm just going to sit in the parking lot and listen to it," he said.SSSSSSSSUpdate: Mazda sent over a few photos the car before and during its restoration. Check 'em out below. SSSSSSTuesday 15 October 2013
Tour Match Drawn, Pakistan Bolster Squad
Asad Shafiq made runs on the final day and was rewarded with a call-up to Pakistan's Test squadPakistan 'A' and the South Africans drew their tour game in Sharjah, after which Pakistan added Shan Masood, Ahmed Shehzad and Asad Shafiq to their Test squad.
On the final day, Pakistan 'A' reached 311 for six in their 100 overs before declaring, and South Africa used the remainder of the day to give their middle and lower-order batsmen time at the crease.
There were useful runs for Faf du Plessis (42) before they closed on 109 for three in their second innings.
Shafiq made a fluent 42 in 92 balls when Pakistan 'A' batted to impress the selectors enough to include him while captain Umar Amin fell for 12.
Sohaib Maqsood and Mohammad Rizwan were unbeaten on 34 and 31 respectively when Pakistan declared having faced 100 overs.
South Africa then opened with JP Duminy and du Plessis, Duminy making 23 and Robin Peterson, in at number three, falling for 16.
Vernon Philander (11) and Morne Morkel (16) were not out when stumps were drawn.
The first Test begins in Abu Dhabi on 14th October.
Pakistan Test squad: Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Abdur Rehman, Adnan Akmal (wicket-keeper), Ahmed Shehzad, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Junaid Khan, Khurram Manzoor, Mohammad Irfan, Rahat Ali, Shan Masood, Umar Amin, Younus Khan, Zulfiqar Babar
© Cricket World 2013
Video - Afghanistan Heroes Welcomed Home
Afghanistan's cricketers returned home following their qualification for the 2015 World Cup and a huge crowd turned out to salute their efforts.
Two dominant wins over Kenya in Sharjah booked them their place in Group A of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, where they will play the co-hosts as well as England, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and another qualifier.
Their welcome home brought Kabul to a standstill after they were met by an official reception at the airport, driven through the city to the cricket stadium, where music and speeches greeted their presence.
"This is the first time in our cricket history that we have qualified for the World Cup. We achieved a big victory and this is a good news for the Afghan people and they are proud of it," Afghanistan Cricket Board's Shahzad Massoud said.
Video courtesy of SNTV and will be available until 28th October, after which time the video player above will default to a playlists of the latest live content.
© Cricket World 2013
Video - Brett Lee Previews India-Australia ODIs
Brett Lee says that the upcoming seven-match One-Day International series in India could provide Australia with valuable preparation ahead of the Ashes.
With a hot summer forecast in Australia, Lee, who played 76 Tests, 221 ODIs and 25 Twenty20 Internationals, reckons that playing in India will be good 'heat training' for Darren Lehmann's men.
"I think it's going to be a great series for Australia because it's heat training, you know, I think back in Australia it's going to be a hot summer," he said.
"Come over here and play seven one-dayers it's going to be 45 degree heat, I think it's going to put them in very very good stead for the Australian summer.
"I think it's going to be a tough series but I know that if Australia can play the way that they can I am confident that they can put up a very good fight," he added.
Lee has not played an ODI since 2012 and now only plays Twenty20 cricket, but he claims that speculation is linking him with an ODI comeback due to his presence in India.
"Bit of speculation that I might be here to play the one-day series but I can clarify right now that the answer is no," he joked.
"Unless everyone falls off through injury and they need someone I'll of course stand up for Australia and I know that's not going to happen."
For the record, Lee had a good record against India, taking 55 wickets at 21.00 in 32 ODIs.
Video courtesy of SNTV. This video will only be available for 14 days, after which the video player above will display a playlist of the latest live content available.
© Cricket World 2013
Video - Local Cricketer Takes On James Anderson
Watch footage as Pete Moxom, an 'everyday bloke' from Dorchester faces an over from England star James Anderson after winning a competition run by Strongbow.
Having survived a rigorous selection process, Pete was selected from the eight finalists to go forward and face England's premier fast bowler.
The 25-year-old, who was eventually chosen following thousands of applications, was prepared for the over by two top coaches, and he emerged with his wicket intact to complete the Strongbow challenge.
The Cricket Challenge was the first in a series of challenges run by Strongbow as part of the 'Earn It' challenge.
Video courtesy of Strongbow
© Cricket World 2013
Video - Tendulkar Announces Retirement
Watch this news video report including archive footage as Sachin Tendulkar announces his decision to retire from cricket in November.
Tendulkar will play his 200th and final Test, rumoured to be in his home town of Mumbai, against the West Indies, after which he will retire.
He has already retired from One-Day International and Twenty20 cricket and by the time he has finished, will have enjoyed a 24-year career that began in November 1989.
Along the way, he broke a host of records, including Test centuries, appearances and runs, becoming the first man to score an ODI double-century and the first man to register 100 international centuries.
He won the 2011 World Cup with India, helped them achieve the coveted number one Test ranking, twice won the Champions League Twenty20 and the Indian Premier League with the Mumbai Indians.
Video courtesy of SNTV and will be available for a period of 14 days from 11th October 2013. After this date, the player above will default to showing the most recent videos available.
© Cricket World 2013
Wheyhey - It's Protein Ice Cream
Wheyhey - It's Protein Ice CreamWheyhey protein ice cream has been developed as a sweet treat for athletes, including cricketers, that doesn't require hours of hard work to burn off.
The sweetness and flavour comes without all of the sugar, fat and calories that regular ice cream contains.
Instead, it is made from high quality whey-based protein isolate so is low in fat, contains no sugar, no gluten and each 150ml tub contains just 165 calories.
Wheyhey is therefore ideal for complementing your diet, satisfying any cravings for sweet food and aiding your fitness regime.
22 grams of protein in each tub is the equivalent to a chicken breast which supports lean muscle growth and muscle recovery; so next time you finish a workout and fancy something sweet afterwards, grab a cool tub of Wheyhey and help your muscles rebuild and recover quickly.
It is already a favourite with athletes and models including Wales and British & Irish Lions rugby captain Sam Warburton.
It is available in three flavours - vanilla, strawberry and chocolate - and is the perfect way to incorporate protein into your diet in a fun and tasty way.
"Incorporating protein into a tasty treat such as Wheyhey is a brilliant idea and makes protein more accessible to a wider audience," Lee Constantinou, a fitness expert at Holland & Barratt said.
"Protein is crucial for those looking to increase muscle as well as for those who are simply looking to improve overall health," he added.
Wheyhey ice cream costs £2.50 for a 150ml tub or £6.50 for a 500ml tub and is available at Ocado, Holland & Barratt, Wholefoods, Planet Organic, As Nature Intended, GNC, Urban Kitchen, Fitness First and Virgin
World Test Championship Details Unveiled
David Richardson, Misbah-ul-Haq, Graeme Smith and Neil Manthorp at the World Test Championship launchThe qualifying period and logo for the World Test Championship, which will conclude in 2017, have been unveiled in Abu Dhabi.
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq and his South Africa counterpart Graeme Smith were present at the event launch.
International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive David Richardson explained:
"The qualification pathway for the ICC World Test Championship will be through the Reliance ICC Test Team Rankings, with the qualifying period being from 1 May 2013 through to 31 December 2016.
"The top four teams at the conclusion of the qualification period will qualify for the event in 2017. The results of any Test series ending after 1 May 2013, and the results of any Test series starting before 31 December 2016, will be included in the period that determines qualification for the ICC WTC."
Smith, who will lead his side against Pakistan in the opening Test in Abu Dhabi from 14th October, added:
"It’s fantastic to have a pathway clearly identified for the ICC World Test Championship and to know that the top four teams will have a chance to battle it out to be crowned the ultimate champions.
"It adds a new meaning for all the Test teams when it comes to the rankings and the context of all Test series."
Misbah, whose side are not currently in the top four, said: "Test cricket is a journey and it’s the pinnacle of our game. It will add even more context to all the bi-lateral series that the Test sides play and ultimately gives each team a chance to be world champions in Test cricket."
© Cricket World 2013
Yuvraj's Fairytale Return Gives India Victory
Yuvraj Singh was at his majestic best to power India to victory.REUTERS/Vivek Prakash. Picture Supplied by Action ImagesIndia 202-4 (Yuvraj 77no) beat
Australia 201-7 (Finch 89) by 6 wickets
Only T20 International, Rajkot
Scorecard
Yuvraj Singh marked his international cricket return with a match-winning 77 not out in the one-off Twenty20 International against Australia in Rajkot.
India had looked to be slipping in their pursuit of their formidable target of 202 at 100 for four in the 12th over, but Yuvraj - sidelined since January - took the game to the Australian bowlers and, with a little support from his captain MS Dhoni, saw his side home.
As expected, it was a high-scoring game at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, with Aaron Finch continuing his blazing form at the top of Australia’s batting line-up by smashing 89 off just 52 balls. He added a scarcely believable 56 in 29 balls with debutant opener Nic Maddinson.
Maddinson, a 21 year-old with prodigious talent from New South Wales, appeared undaunted by playing the biggest team in cricket, at home, in arguably their favourite format, and smashed 34 off only 16 balls before being bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Australia’s middle-order didn’t build upon their start as effectively as they might have done. They lost Shane Watson and George Bailey in quick succession to Vinay Kumar during the eighth over, although Glenn Maxwell - clearly with an eye on keeping his name in the frame for another big-money IPL deal - played a powerful cameo of 27 off 13 balls that included four sixes.
He fell in the 12th over to make it 124 for four, but Australia’s late charge never really materialised once Finch had been sent packing by Vinay Kumar in the 17th over. It ended another majestic innings from Finch that further cemented his place at the top of Australia’s T20 batting line-up following his record-breaking 156 against England earlier this year.
The 21 balls following his departure yielded a disappointing 27 runs as Australia’s all-rounders struggled to find the boundary in the latter stages. Nonetheless, any team that posts 201 in a T20 game and takes India’s leading bowlers R Ashwin and Ishant Sharma for a combined total of 93 runs from six overs must be pretty pleased with their evening’s work.
It took an innings of brilliance from a slim-line Yuvraj to wipe the smile off their faces. Coming into the series, he had been in good form for India A and India Blue after following a rigorous training regime, and it showed with a remarkable display of clean hitting. 35 balls brought five sixes and eight fours, with his 77 runs taking India across the winning line with two balls to spare. MS Dhoni, content to play second-fiddle at the other end, finished on 24 off 21 balls, with their partnership worth 102 off 51 balls.
The two sides meet again, in the first of seven One-Day Internationals, on Sunday in Pune.
© Cricket World 2013
AUDIO: Ford right for Surrey, says Stewart
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County ins & outs
Stay up-to-date with the latest player releases, signings and speculation from all the counties.
Counties are allowed to field two overseas players in Twenty20 games, with up to four registered for that competition - although only two can be registered at any one time, and registrations must be for a minimum of 10 days.
Only one overseas player is permitted in the County Championship and 50-over competitions.
KPK: Kolpak contractREL: releasedRET: retiredYTH: from youth teamsEUP: European Union passportUKP: Recently-obtained UK passport. Also shows, where relevant, players' previous countiesKolpak contracts are signed by foreign players, using a loophole in European Union law to avoid counting against the quota of one overseas player per club.
Players who moved counties during the 2013 season are included on the 2013 list. Have we missed anyone? Please let us know.
Overseas player 2013: Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies); Albie Morkel (South Africa)
Overseas player 2014: Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies)
Ins: Scott Elstone (ex-Nottinghamshire, released in 2012)
Outs: Alasdair Evans (REL)
Possible departures: The club say they are not in a position to offer batsman Ben Slater a new contract at present.
Other news: Seamer Mark Footitt has signed a new contract, after Derbyshire claimed other counties were interested in him. Derbyshire were also interested in Kent all-rounder Matt Coles, who has instead joined Hampshire.
Overseas player 2013: None
Overseas player 2014: TBC; financial pressures are likely to preclude an overseas signing again.
Ins: Stuart Poynter (Ireland, ex-Warwickshire), Graham Clark (MCC Young Cricketers)
Outs: Mitchell Claydon (Kent), Will Smith (Hampshire), Callum Thorp (REL), Steve Harmison (RET)
Other news: Jamie Harrison, Gordon Muchall and Gareth Breese have signed new contracts.
Overseas player: Rob Quiney (Australia); Hamish Rutherford (New Zealand); Shaun Tait (Australia); Gautam Gambhir (India)
Overseas player 2014: TBC
Ins: None
Outs: Maurice Chambers (Northants)
Possible signings: Coach Paul Grayson says Essex will hold talks with Monty Panesar about making his loan move from Sussex permanent.
Possible departures: Owais Shah has retired from first-class cricket and although he is out of contract this winter, Essex hope to re-sign him to play limited-overs cricket.
Other news: Greg Smith and Graham Napier have signed new contracts, while strength and conditioning coach Ian Fisher has joined Yorkshire.
Overseas player 2013: Marcus North (Australia); Nathan McCullum (New Zealand)
Overseas player 2014: Jacques Rudolph (South Africa; subject to clearance from Cricket South Africa)
Ins: None
Outs: None
Other news: Hugh Morris is to become chief executive and managing director, while the county are looking for a new head coach. Jim Allenby and Michael Hogan have signed new contracts. Seamer Simon Jones has retired from first-class and one-day cricket, but will continue to play Twenty20.
Overseas player 2013: Michael Klinger (Australia); Dan Christian (Australia)
Overseas player 2014: Michael Klinger (Australia)
Ins: Tom Smith (Middlesex), Will Tavare (YTH)
Outs: Richard Coughtrie (REL), Paul Muchall (REL)
Other news: Craig Miles, Liam Norwell, Hamish Marshall, Ian Cockbain and Gareth Roderick have signed new contracts.
Overseas player 2013: George Bailey (Australia); Sohail Tanvir (Pakistan)
Overseas player 2014: TBC; manager Giles White is chasing an overseas bowler
Ins: Matt Coles (Kent), Will Smith (Durham), Lewis McManus (YTH), Tom Barber (YTH)
Outs: Dimitri Mascarenhas (RET), David Griffiths (Kent), Hamza Riazuddin (RET), Adam Rouse (REL), Jack Sheppard (REL), Michael Roberts (REL), Jake George (REL)
Overseas player 2013: Vernon Philander (South Africa)
Overseas player 2014: TBC
Ins: Mitchell Claydon (Durham), David Griffiths (Hampshire), Charlie Hartley (YTH), Matt Hunn (YTH)
Outs: Mike Powell (RET), Matt Coles (Hampshire), Charlie Shreck (REL), Benedict Kemp (REL)
Possible departures: Veteran all-rounder Darren Stevens admits his career is in doubt after being charged by the ICC with failing to report a corrupt approach.
Other news: Fabian Cowdrey, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Calum Haggett, Sam Northeast and Alex Blake have all signed new contracts. James Tredwell admits he may step down as captain to focus on his international career.
Overseas player 2013: Simon Katich (Australia); Mitchell McClenaghan (New Zealand)
Overseas player 2014: TBC; McClenaghan says he hopes to return to Lancashire in 2014
Ins: Jos Buttler (Somerset)
Outs: Stephen Moore (REL), Gareth Cross (REL)
Future signings: Zimbabwe paceman Kyle Jarvis has agreed a three-year contract and the county say he will join as a non-overseas player, subject to registration, "in the near future".
Overseas player 2013: Ramnaresh Sarwan (West Indies); Joe Burns (Australia); Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
Overseas player 2014: TBC
Ins: None
Outs: Claude Henderson (RET), Matthew Hoggard (RET)
Overseas player 2013: Chris Rogers (Australia); Adam Voges (Australia); Kyle Mills (New Zealand)
Overseas player 2014: TBC
Ins: Harry Podmore (YTH)
Outs: Corey Collymore (REL), Tom Smith (Gloucestershire), Josh Davey (REL), Adam London (REL)
Other news: Gurjit Sandhu and Ravi Patel have signed new contracts.
Overseas player 2013: Trent Copeland (Australia); Cameron White (Australia); Richard Levi (South Africa)
Overseas player 2014: TBC; Copeland cannot return as he no longer meets eligibility criteria, having not played in a Test since September 2011.
Ins: Maurice Chambers (Essex)
Outs: Lee Daggett (RET), Luke Evans (REL), Christian Davis (REL), Sam Sweeney (REL), Con de Lange (REL)
Possible signings: Northants say they are in talks with a left-arm spinner, a seam bowler and an overseas bowler.
Other news: All-rounder David Willey has signed a new contract, while veteran batsman David Sales has been offered a new deal.
Overseas player 2013: Ed Cowan (Australia); David Hussey (Australia); Ian Butler (New Zealand)
Overseas player 2014: TBC; Hussey will not be returning
Ins: None
Outs: Ben Phillips (REL)
Overseas player 2013: Alviro Petersen (South Africa), Dean Elgar (South Africa); Yasir Arafat (Pakistan); Abdur Rehman (Pakistan); Piyush Chawla (India)
Overseas player 2014: TBC
Ins: None
Outs: Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Gemaal Hussain (REL)
Other news: Twins Jamie and Craig Overton have signed contract extensions.
Overseas player 2013: Graeme Smith (South Africa); Ricky Ponting (Australia); Glenn Maxwell (Australia); Hashim Amla (South Africa)
Overseas player 2014: Graeme Smith (South Africa)
Ins: None
Outs: Kevin O'Brien (REL, had been on contract for Twenty20), Jon Lewis (REL), Zander de Bruyn (REL)
Other news: Jack Winslade, Tom Jewell and Freddie van den Bergh have signed new contracts.
Overseas player 2013: Steve Magoffin (Australia); Scott Styris (New Zealand); Dwayne Smith (West Indies)
Overseas player 2014: TBC
Ins: None
Outs: Monty Panesar (REL), Joe Gatting (REL), Andrew Miller (REL)
Other news: Callum Jackson and Harry Finch have signed new contracts.
Overseas player 2013: Jeetan Patel (New Zealand)
Overseas player 2014: TBC
Ins: Tom Lewis (YTH), Jon Webb (YTH)
Outs: Darren Maddy (RET), Chris Metters (REL), Tom Allin (REL), Stuart Poynter (Durham)
Other news: Warwickshire had tried to sign Somerset's Jos Buttler and Essex's Maurice Chambers, but they decided to join Lancashire and Northants respectively instead.
Overseas player 2013: Thilan Samaraweera (Sri Lanka); Andre Russell (West Indies)
Overseas player 2014: TBC
Ins: None
Outs: Neil Pinner (REL), Steve Leach (REL), Michael Johnson (REL), Aneesh Kapil (REL)
Other news: Graeme Cessford and Daryl Mitchell have signed new contracts.
Overseas player 2013: Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
Overseas player 2014: Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
Ins: None
Outs: Phil Jaques (REL)
Other news: Richard Pyrah and Ryan Sidebottom have signed new contracts, while former player Ian Fisher has returned to Headingley as strength and conditioning coach, a role he held at Essex.
County ins & outs
Stay up-to-date with the latest player releases, signings and speculation from all the counties.
Counties are allowed to field two overseas players in Twenty20 games, with up to four registered for that competition - although only two can be registered at any one time, and registrations must be for a minimum of 10 days.
Only one overseas player is permitted in the County Championship and 50-over competitions.
KPK: Kolpak contractREL: releasedRET: retiredYTH: from youth teamsEUP: European Union passportUKP: Recently-obtained UK passport. Also shows, where relevant, players' previous countiesKolpak contracts are signed by foreign players, using a loophole in European Union law to avoid counting against the quota of one overseas player per club.
Players who moved counties during the 2013 season are included on the 2013 list. Have we missed anyone? Please let us know.
Overseas player 2013: Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies); Albie Morkel (South Africa)
Overseas player 2014: Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies)
Ins: Scott Elstone (ex-Nottinghamshire, released in 2012)
Outs: Alasdair Evans (REL)
Possible departures: The club say they are not in a position to offer batsman Ben Slater a new contract at present.
Other news: Seamer Mark Footitt has signed a new contract, after Derbyshire claimed other counties were interested in him. Derbyshire were also interested in Kent all-rounder Matt Coles, who has instead joined Hampshire.
Overseas player 2013: None
Overseas player 2014: TBC; financial pressures are likely to preclude an overseas signing again.
Ins: Stuart Poynter (Ireland, ex-Warwickshire), Graham Clark (MCC Young Cricketers)
Outs: Mitchell Claydon (Kent), Will Smith (Hampshire), Callum Thorp (REL), Steve Harmison (RET)
Other news: Jamie Harrison, Gordon Muchall and Gareth Breese have signed new contracts.
Overseas player: Rob Quiney (Australia); Hamish Rutherford (New Zealand); Shaun Tait (Australia); Gautam Gambhir (India)
Overseas player 2014: TBC
Ins: None
Outs: Maurice Chambers (Northants)
Possible signings: Coach Paul Grayson says Essex will hold talks with Monty Panesar about making his loan move from Sussex permanent.
Possible departures: Owais Shah has retired from first-class cricket and although he is out of contract this winter, Essex hope to re-sign him to play limited-overs cricket.
Other news: Greg Smith and Graham Napier have signed new contracts, while strength and conditioning coach Ian Fisher has joined Yorkshire.
Overseas player 2013: Marcus North (Australia); Nathan McCullum (New Zealand)
Overseas player 2014: Jacques Rudolph (South Africa; subject to clearance from Cricket South Africa)
Ins: None
Outs: None
Other news: Hugh Morris is to become chief executive and managing director, while the county are looking for a new head coach. Jim Allenby and Michael Hogan have signed new contracts. Seamer Simon Jones has retired from first-class and one-day cricket, but will continue to play Twenty20.
Overseas player 2013: Michael Klinger (Australia); Dan Christian (Australia)
Overseas player 2014: Michael Klinger (Australia)
Ins: Tom Smith (Middlesex), Will Tavare (YTH)
Outs: Richard Coughtrie (REL), Paul Muchall (REL)
Other news: Craig Miles, Liam Norwell, Hamish Marshall, Ian Cockbain and Gareth Roderick have signed new contracts.
Overseas player 2013: George Bailey (Australia); Sohail Tanvir (Pakistan)
Overseas player 2014: TBC; manager Giles White is chasing an overseas bowler
Ins: Matt Coles (Kent), Will Smith (Durham), Lewis McManus (YTH), Tom Barber (YTH)
Outs: Dimitri Mascarenhas (RET), David Griffiths (Kent), Hamza Riazuddin (RET), Adam Rouse (REL), Jack Sheppard (REL), Michael Roberts (REL), Jake George (REL)
Overseas player 2013: Vernon Philander (South Africa)
Overseas player 2014: TBC
Ins: Mitchell Claydon (Durham), David Griffiths (Hampshire), Charlie Hartley (YTH), Matt Hunn (YTH)
Outs: Mike Powell (RET), Matt Coles (Hampshire), Charlie Shreck (REL), Benedict Kemp (REL)
Possible departures: Veteran all-rounder Darren Stevens admits his career is in doubt after being charged by the ICC with failing to report a corrupt approach.
Other news: Fabian Cowdrey, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Calum Haggett, Sam Northeast and Alex Blake have all signed new contracts. James Tredwell admits he may step down as captain to focus on his international career.
Overseas player 2013: Simon Katich (Australia); Mitchell McClenaghan (New Zealand)
Overseas player 2014: TBC; McClenaghan says he hopes to return to Lancashire in 2014
Ins: Jos Buttler (Somerset)
Outs: Stephen Moore (REL), Gareth Cross (REL)
Future signings: Zimbabwe paceman Kyle Jarvis has agreed a three-year contract and the county say he will join as a non-overseas player, subject to registration, "in the near future".
Overseas player 2013: Ramnaresh Sarwan (West Indies); Joe Burns (Australia); Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
Overseas player 2014: TBC
Ins: None
Outs: Claude Henderson (RET), Matthew Hoggard (RET)
Overseas player 2013: Chris Rogers (Australia); Adam Voges (Australia); Kyle Mills (New Zealand)
Overseas player 2014: TBC
Ins: Harry Podmore (YTH)
Outs: Corey Collymore (REL), Tom Smith (Gloucestershire), Josh Davey (REL), Adam London (REL)
Other news: Gurjit Sandhu and Ravi Patel have signed new contracts.
Overseas player 2013: Trent Copeland (Australia); Cameron White (Australia); Richard Levi (South Africa)
Overseas player 2014: TBC; Copeland cannot return as he no longer meets eligibility criteria, having not played in a Test since September 2011.
Ins: Maurice Chambers (Essex)
Outs: Lee Daggett (RET), Luke Evans (REL), Christian Davis (REL), Sam Sweeney (REL), Con de Lange (REL)
Possible signings: Northants say they are in talks with a left-arm spinner, a seam bowler and an overseas bowler.
Other news: All-rounder David Willey has signed a new contract, while veteran batsman David Sales has been offered a new deal.
Overseas player 2013: Ed Cowan (Australia); David Hussey (Australia); Ian Butler (New Zealand)
Overseas player 2014: TBC; Hussey will not be returning
Ins: None
Outs: Ben Phillips (REL)
Overseas player 2013: Alviro Petersen (South Africa), Dean Elgar (South Africa); Yasir Arafat (Pakistan); Abdur Rehman (Pakistan); Piyush Chawla (India)
Overseas player 2014: TBC
Ins: None
Outs: Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Gemaal Hussain (REL)
Other news: Twins Jamie and Craig Overton have signed contract extensions.
Overseas player 2013: Graeme Smith (South Africa); Ricky Ponting (Australia); Glenn Maxwell (Australia); Hashim Amla (South Africa)
Overseas player 2014: Graeme Smith (South Africa)
Ins: None
Outs: Kevin O'Brien (REL, had been on contract for Twenty20), Jon Lewis (REL), Zander de Bruyn (REL)
Other news: Jack Winslade, Tom Jewell and Freddie van den Bergh have signed new contracts.
Overseas player 2013: Steve Magoffin (Australia); Scott Styris (New Zealand); Dwayne Smith (West Indies)
Overseas player 2014: TBC
Ins: None
Outs: Monty Panesar (REL), Joe Gatting (REL), Andrew Miller (REL)
Other news: Callum Jackson and Harry Finch have signed new contracts.
Overseas player 2013: Jeetan Patel (New Zealand)
Overseas player 2014: TBC
Ins: Tom Lewis (YTH), Jon Webb (YTH)
Outs: Darren Maddy (RET), Chris Metters (REL), Tom Allin (REL), Stuart Poynter (Durham)
Other news: Warwickshire had tried to sign Somerset's Jos Buttler and Essex's Maurice Chambers, but they decided to join Lancashire and Northants respectively instead.
Overseas player 2013: Thilan Samaraweera (Sri Lanka); Andre Russell (West Indies)
Overseas player 2014: TBC
Ins: None
Outs: Neil Pinner (REL), Steve Leach (REL), Michael Johnson (REL), Aneesh Kapil (REL)
Other news: Graeme Cessford and Daryl Mitchell have signed new contracts.
Overseas player 2013: Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
Overseas player 2014: Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
Ins: None
Outs: Phil Jaques (REL)
Other news: Richard Pyrah and Ryan Sidebottom have signed new contracts, while former player Ian Fisher has returned to Headingley as strength and conditioning coach, a role he held at Essex.
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