Cricket

Durham's new captain, David Boon, hit the 60th first-class century of his career to put Tasmania in a strong position on the opening day of their Sheffield Shield match against Victoria in Hobart yesterday. Boon, who retired from Test cricket last year, was 106 not out at stumps as Tasmania reached 352 for 3. The opener Michael DiVenuto was the top scorer with 119 as Tasmania made the most of Boon's decision to bat first after winning the toss.

Shane Lee, the Australian all-rounder, has been lined up for a possible return to Somerset next season following problems with the availability of the Pakistan's Mushtaq Ahmed. Lee, who played for New South Wales in the second of two one-day matches against England A in Wollongong today, enjoyed a highly successful summer with Somerset last season, scoring more than 1,300 first-class runs.