Lester quits in row over tour scorer (26 July 1999)

26 July 1999

Lester quits in row over tour scorer

Martin Searby

Ted Lester has resigned as chairman of the county scorers, in protest at the appointment of Malcolm Ashton for the winter tour of South Africa.

"Ever since Ray Illingworth appointed him in 1995 I have argued the case for giving the position of overseas scorer to a county employee," the former Yorkshire scorer said. "I was told it would be reviewed annually, but it appears Ashton is now a permanent fixture.

"I'm extremely disappointed the England and Wales Cricket Board have again appointed him, particularly after the Association of County Cricket Scorers covered the World Cup while Ashton, presumably, preferred to score for the BBC.

"It's sad the board doesn't appreciate there are several country scorers who can successfully undertake additional responsibilities and who are being deprived of the opportunity of an overseas tour with England."

The 18 county scorers do invaluable work, which includes computer-generated information, and feel their work is not sufficiently appreciated at headquarters.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)