LORDS FINAL

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have today announced that they are recommending Lord’s to the International Cricket Council (ICC) as host for the ICC World Twenty20 2009 final. It will also be recommended that Lord’s be approved by ICC as hosts for a package that includes warm up, group and Super 8 matches as well as the final in the ICC World Twenty20 2009. The ECB’s independent Major Match Group, chaired by Lord Morris of Handsworth, has also identified The Oval as a ‘preferred bidder’ for a semi-final as well as warm-up, group and Super 8 games. 

EMBUREY LEAVES MIDDLESEX

John Emburey has left Middlesex to continue his career in coaching. Vinny Codrington, Chief Executive, commented “John’s role as Director of Cricket was becoming more administrative, taking him away from the area of the game where his strengths lay. After lengthy discussions with the club, and a full review of our cricket structure, it was mutually agreed that John pursue his ambitions in coaching. He leaves behind a strong coaching team, led by Toby Radford, and a squad under Ed Smith more than capable of competing for all four domestic competitions.

BLACKWELL MAIDEN 100

Opening batter Alex Blackwell scored her maiden one-day international century and twin Kate recorded her highest score in limited overs cricket as the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars produced a well-rounded team effort to topple England by 84 runs at the MCG today.Alex Blackwell’s 101 - her first for Australia in all forms of the game – and Kate’s unbeaten 57 from 60 balls guided the home team to 4-250 as the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars made amends for yesterday’s loss with a complete performance.

ECB INVEST MONEY

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today announced a £30 million investment in facilities and in club cricket – the most significant injection of funding ever in cricket in England and Wales. In January 2008 the Board approved the five-year strategy subject to detailed plans for the implementation of each section of the strategy to commence in 2008.At their meeting at Loughborough on January 23, 2008 the plan also received the unanimous support of the First Class Counties.

EDWARDS KEEN TO CHALLENGE