Loye awarded Lancashire benefit year

Lancashire have awarded Mal Loye a benefit for his fifth season at the club. He joined the club in 2003 following 12 years with his home county Northamptonshire.

He has scored more than 13,000 first-class runs at 41, and has played for England, as well as the Under-19s and the A side.

Jack Simmons, the Lancashire chairman, said: "I know one or two people will question that he hasn't played for Lancashire for a number of years, but what Mal has given to county cricket both with Northants and us, we always regard that as 'giving something to the game'.

"What he has done for the club to date has been superb. He has endeared himself to everyone associated with Lancashire, and there isn't a nicer player in the sport."

Loye said: "Not only do I feel proud and privileged to play for Lancashire, but to be awarded a benefit by such as prestigious club is a great honour, and I would like to thank them for their support."