Beyond the Test World

Damien Martyn and Stephen Fleming will both play in November's annual Hong Kong Sixes.

"The Hong Kong event is, without doubt, the best-run and most high-profile sixes tournament in the world and, hopefully, we can put on a great show for the fans."

Much is spoken about the expansion of the international game, and if, as expected, proposals for a significant increase in funding for the Associates is approved when the ICC meets in June, then their progress should be further boosted.

But cash and goodwill can only go so far. What is widely agreed is that to improve, the leading Associates need to play more, and against the elite top ten Full Member countries. And that is where the problems come.

A casual glance at the international schedule will show that the major countries are on an almost constant global tour. In part this is because of the requirements of the Future Tours Programme, but more often than not the large gaps in that schedule are filled with lucrative one-day tours or tournaments.

In an ideal world, there would be time for India or England to undertake ambassadorial tours to Kenya or the Netherlands. But given the choice between a lucrative three-match series against commercially attractive opposition containing star names or a trip to a cricketing outpost in Africa or Europe, it's not a contest.

Rodney Trott and Tamauri Tucker are the first two players to be selected for Bermuda's new high performance development programme, primarily aimed at some of the younger players in the national squad.

Confusion surrounds the sudden resignation of Clive Howard, the chairman of the Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA).

Howard quit with immediate effect in the middle of the week, but the brief statement from the board cited “family and work commitments”. However, a report in the South China Morning Press stated that he owed the HKCA around HK$210,000 (US$27,000)

"During his time as chairman, cricket developed significantly, with the introduction of the "Challenge League" for players not able to find places in teams competing in the regular Saturday and Sunday League competitions run by the HKCA and the setting up of a women's league competition,” Terry Smith, the board president, said. "He also played a significant part in developing the International Cricket Sixes into an event of true international stature.

"Given the scale of the activities now being undertaken by the Association, we are now considering the appointment of a CEO to support the chairman and executive committee and implement all aspects of association policy.”

Bermuda will host their first international match in four years when they play Scotland in the Intercontinental Cup after the National Sports Centre ground received ICC approval.

Three countries have applied for ICC Affiliate membership and two more to be upgraded from Affiliate to Associate membership.

Bulgaria, Estonia and Turkey’s applications for Affiliate membership will be considered by the ICC and its annual conference in Dubai at the end of June.

Guernsey and Vanuatu have applied for an upgrade to Associate membership which, if successful, will mean a substantial increase in the funding available to their national associations.

Consideration of Vanuatu's application is subject to it meeting the playing standard criterion in its matches against existing Associates in the World Cricket League Division 5. An ICC team is inspecting the facilities in Guernsey this week.

Eleven women players from Argentina, Bermuda and Canada will depart for Trinidad this month as part of an ICC Americas development programme. The academy will take place at the Sir Frank Worrell Development Centre in Trinidad and Tobago from May 18-29. The program will be run by Ann Browne-John – the ICC Women’s Committee Representative, former West Indies Captain and Level 2 WICB Coach – who is assisted by former international players and qualified coaches Stephanie Power and Jasmine Sammy. The girls will have 10 days of intensive training, education, game situations and will be trying out for the WICB tournament to be held in Jamaica in July.

Shane Warne and Anil Kumble will take part in a lucrative new six-a-side tournament, the iSixes World Series, which will take place in Singapore, Shanghai and Dubai. All nine Test playing nations will be involved, plus one wild-card team, with US$1m for the winners.

Singapore will host the first leg from July 4-6 at Singapore Cricket Club's Padang ground with further stops expected in Shanghai, Dubai, and one other yet-to-be announced country. Among other players confirmed for the All Stars are former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak, New Zealander Craig McMillan, and Sri Lanka's Romesh Kaluwitharan.

The Hurlingham Hawks created history in the final weekend of the 2007-08 season as they claimed the Triple Crown (First Division Championship/Robin Stuart Shield/NEC Cup). They overcame a late challenge from the St.Albans Sharks to claim their third title of the season, the First Division NEC Cup.

In the third and fourth play off at St.George’s College, Lomas Eagles beat Belgrano Cavaliers by 32 runs in a low-scoring match.

The following awards were made in the prize giving at the end of both matches:

Final Man of the Match – Gary Savage; Best Bowler - Gary Savage; Best Batsman – Dougal Ferguson.

Some of Jersey’s top players over the last decade have a chance to demonstrate their skills and ability at a completely new level, on the world stage, when they host Division Five of the World Cricket League later this month.

Jersey’s squad benefits from a number of all-rounders whose fitness and stamina will be tested under the tournament itinerary - a demanding seven games in nine days.

Their principle allrounder, Ryan Driver – formerly of Lancashire and Warwickshire - has fulfilled the four-year ICC qualifying period enabling him to make his long-awaited debut for Jersey. Mat Hague, another allrounder, will welcome Driver’s support while he captains the side.

Tom Minty and Andy Dewhurst provide inspiration for the younger players on the fringe of the squad, while at the other end of the age spectrum Meeku Patidar and Bradley Vowden will bring vast experience and – in spite of their seniority - are two of the very finest and fittest fielders in the squad.