Smokers stubbed out

At the beginning of the month the nationwide smoking ban came into force throughout England. Away from the obvious changes to pubs and clubs the new regulations will hit county cricket teams, too. How many photos have their been of Shane Warne puffing away on the balcony during a match? In the Sunday Telegraph, Mike Atherton takes a look back the strong link between cricketers and smoking.

Even the Lancashire dressing room of my time was inhabited by half-a-dozen or so. Nick Speak, Graham Lloyd, Phil DeFreitas, Wasim Akram and Graeme Fowler all paid constant homage to nicotine. Early season Benson and Hedges games, when sponsors not only provided loot but product as well, produced a terrific scramble for those distinctive yellow bricks; even the non-smokers were known to hoard a packet or two to bargain with. How about a few half-volleys in the nets then, Daffy?