KUMBLE_FOR_NORTHANTS_19SEP94

Kumble set for contract

BY John Burrows

Northamptonshire are engaged in long-distance discussions with Anil Kumble, the Indian leg-spinner, as their replacement for Curtly Ambrose next summer. Ambrose will be touring England with West Indies. The county's protracted efforts to sign Kumble's Australian counterpart, Shane Warne, eventually came to nothing after Warne had been strongly advised against the rigours of the county circuit by the Australian hierarchy. By this time, Northamptonshire had lost the chance to move for their second choice, Dion Nash, who is joining Middlesex. The club are again hedging their bets. "At present negotiations are taking place with two overseas cricketers with a view to a one-year contract," is the official comment. They add, however, that "one player has been offered terms, but so far no formal acceptance has been received". It is thought that, with Kumble presently in Sri Lanka, the problems are more logistical than contractual. Kumble tormented England on their disastrous 1993 Indian tour, effectively winning the Tests at Madras and Bombay.

Another spinner, James Boiling, who asked to be released from Surrey with a year of his contract still to run, seems set to move to Durham. Geoff Cook, Durham's director of cricket, said: "We expect to complete his signing within the next fortnight."

Thanks :: Sunday Telegraph