Cricket: Northamptonshire accused

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE have been reported to the Test and County Cricket Board for allegedly making illegal approaches to players.

The allegations, made by Yorkshire, concern three young players from that county, a wicketkeeper Ishmail Dawood, a spin bowler Ian Fisher and an all-rounder Chris Schofield.

Steve Coverdale, Northamptonshire's chief executive, said the club was aware of the complaint but declined to comment further. The county confirmed an interest in Dawood, who will keep wicket on this winter's England under-19 tour to Sri Lanka, but they strongly deny reports that he has already signed a contract.

TCCB officials are examining the allegations.

Winston Benjamin took 5 for 22 on a bouncy pitch in Bombay to help the West Indies to a 46-run victory over Sri Lanka in the five-nation limited-overs tournament yesterday. Sri Lanka, chasing West Indies' 268 for 8 in 50 overs, were restricted to 222 for 8, despite a compelling 104 off 116 balls by Hashan Tillekeratne.