Manchester squad announced for first City Cricket Tournament

Neil Fairbrother, Lancashire and England, Captain of the Manchester squad says: "We have a strong squad and despite other good teams we are confident that we can go all the way. It is great for us to play in this new competition and we are proud that the players themselves are showing the way forward for cricket."

Accenture are sponsors of The Manchester squad and Global Managing Partner, Mark Spelman, says: "The City Cricket format conceived by professional cricketers is fresh and exciting. Accenture is delighted to sponsor the Manchester squad and support this innovative development within the game of cricket."

The County Ground, Bristol on 10th July is the venue for The Hill House Hammond City Challenge, the first tournament played under the revolutionary Zone 6 format.

Each city squad draws six professional cricketers, one of whom must be a wicketkeeper, from three of the 18 first-class counties. The other five city squads are from London, Bristol, Southampton, Birmingham and Leeds and details of the City Squads and their representative counties are detailed below.

Gladstone Small, one of the event directors, said; "The tournament now really is alive. Having received such a fabulous response both from the general public and the players we are looking forward to a great day."

David Graveney adds: "Zone 6 City Cricket will appeal to both existing cricket fans and a new audience enabling the game at all levels to benefit."