Gloucestershire offer to share Harvey

Australian all rounder Ian Harvey has been offered a new 2 year contract by Gloucestershire. Harvey has been a vital component in Gloucestershire's record breaking one day team, and has been praised by coach John Bracewell for the qualities he brings to the dressing room. "Ian is a brilliant team player. In the past players have been able to hide behind the likes of Courtney Walsh, but he contributes brilliantly without adversely effecting the balance of the team," Bracewell said.

The only caveat to the deal concerns Harvey's selection by Australia. Gloucestershire will stick with him if, as is expected, he is selected for the one day internationals in England next summer, but will look elsewhere if he is a full member of the Ashes squad.

There was further good news for batsman Dominic Hewson, seamer James Averis and `Jack' Russell's understudy as `keeper, Reggie Williams. They were all awarded extensions to their contracts.

Less fortunate was 23 year old Imraan Mohammed. The former Cambridge University player averaged only 11 with the bat, and has been released after his first season on the staff.