Cricket: Lewis and Malcolm are in demand

Chris Lewis and Devon Malcolm have emerged as targets for counties searching for reinforcements for next season.

Leicestershire and Northamptonshire have taken advantage of the 1 November deadline, which allows counties to approach out-of-contract players once 14 days notice has been served.

Lewis is wanted by Leicestershire, where he played from 1987 until 1991, although Surrey officials are also hoping to negotiate a new deal.

Leicestershire's chief executive, David Collier, said: "We are in discussions with Chris and he is interested in joining us. We will be having further talks with him when he returns from New Zealand [where he is on tour with an England one-day squad]."

Malcolm is being chased by Northamptonshire and Hampshire after becoming disillusioned with events at Derbyshire this summer. He has promised to speak to the new captain Dominic Cork, currently on holiday, before assessing his options. Chairman Vic Brownett confirmed: "Devon has asked for a few more days to think about it."

Pakistan's captain Wasim Akram was named as Lancashire's new captain last night. He has already been awarded a testimonial next season. Wasim made his debut for the county in 1988.