Warwickshire turn their attention to Drakes

Warwickshire have confirmed that they are talking to West Indian fast bowler Vasbert Drakes, with a view to signing him as their overseas player for the 2001 county season.

Drakes has a good performance history in county cricket. He enjoyed two seasons with Sussex in 1996 and 1997, and took 80 wickets for Nottinghamshire in 1999. He has played five one-day internationals for the West Indies, and is 31 years old.

Warwickshire had been expected to re-sign Shaun Pollock, but the heavy international schedule, and pressure from the Managing Director of the South African cricket board, Ali Bacher, on international players to cut down on their domestic commitments, has ruled him out.