Cricket: Marsh wary of his old rivals

England A will begin preparations for the next big test of their tour Down Under tomorrow knowing they have already been paid a big compliment from one of their oldest adversaries.

Rodney Marsh, the former Australian Test wicketkeeper who is now head coach of the much-heralded Academy, has picked two over-age players in his squad for the four-day match at the Marist Park ground following England's sensational victory over the Sheffield Shield holders, South Australia, in Adelaide earlier this week.

Marsh has called up the 25-year-old Jeremy Allen, a seamer who has already represented Western Australia at state level, and the 23-year-old Shawn Craig, a left-handed opener who scored a century against the Academy for Victoria 2nd XI last season, into his side after claiming his current crop are weaker than previous years.

England will not name their side until the manager, David Graveney, the coach, Mike Gatting, and the captain, Adam Hollioake, have inspected the pitch, which is in an extinct volcano, after being prevented from doing so yesterday by overnight rain. Jason Gallian has recovered from a hand injury while Dean Headley may be rested.

n Don Kenyon, 72, Worcestershire's first County Championship winning captain, has died in hospital after being taken ill at a function at New Road. Kenyon, who played eight Tests for England, had been attending a members' cricket evening to show a film of a world tour undertaken by the club during his playing days.

Obituary, page 16