'I've done all I can in Australia', says Law

Stuart Law, the Australian batsman, has applied for British citizenship. After claiming he has done everything possible in Australian first-class cricket, Law has now set his sights on a permanent move to England.

Law, 35, has enjoyed a successful career with Queensland over the last 16 years, and played in 54 one-day internationals for Australia. However, he was selected for only one Test, against Sri Lanka in December 1995. He has now decided to concentrate on playing for Lancashire, who he joined in 2002.

He insisted that his decision to move to England had nothing to do with playing more Tests. "It's rubbish that I'm going over there to play Test cricket," he said. "That's not the reason why I'm moving."

However - Duncan Fletcher take note - he hasn't totally ruled out the possibility of turning out in England colours one day. "If it happens that in two years time, or whatever, that I gain citizenship and I'm good enough to play against a Test side, then who knows?" He added, "We might decide to go down that route, but if that's the case I don't think my heart could be in it playing for them. But after two years you never know."

Another factor in Law's decision was that his wife, Debbie, is English, and they have a house in Manchester. Law said: "She's been over here with me ever since I met her and that's eight years now, so it's about time I reciprocated." He added: "I will finish my career over there."

On his time in Australia, Law said that he had achieved everything he could at domestic level, having led Queensland to five four-day titles. "I can't do much more in Australian cricket. I've played for Australia, but that's obviously been and gone." He concluded, "I think it's time for Queensland cricket to move on and let the young blokes come on."