Cricket: Lancashire to lose DeFreitas

PHILLIP DeFREITAS, the former England Test fast bowler, is to leave Lancashire.

DeFreitas' decision is the latest problem for the county, following the resignations of Neil Fairbrother as captain on Wednesday - Mike Watkinson has taken over - and David Hughes' departure as cricket manager towards the end of last season.

DeFreitas, 27, who has won 33 Test caps but had not been included in England's winter tour party for the West Indies, joined Lancashire from Leicestershire in 1989. His release, for domestic reasons, should interest a number of counties, particularly Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.