Cricket: Old problems must be conquered

THE Australian administrator, David Richards, will be officially installed as the first chief executive of the International Cricket Council as a new era is ushered in at today's annual meeting at Lord's.

There is much to be debated including the increasing amount of power wielded by minor members, disappointment over the inability to tackle bad behaEviour and the controversial bouncer law. The West Indian Clyde THER write errorWalcott is the favourite to succeed Sir Colin Cowdrey as chairman but an alternative candidate may be put forward by Pakistan or India.

Pakistan are proposing to scrap the one bouncer per over per batsman rule that has operated for two years. England, meanwhile will move to stop the growing band of associate members from being able to influence decisions which should be left to the nine Test-playing nations.

They do, however, support the elevation of Scotland and Ireland to associate status, a move that would enable those two countries to play in the next World Cup qualifying competition. And Australia's official warning for questioning umpire's decisions at Trent Bridge should ensure lively discussion about behaviour. The tourists have also vowed to raise the issue of qualification following Martin McCague's call-up by England.

David Lawrence, the England and Gloucestershire fast bowler, is to start his comeback next month in his benefit match. Lawrence, 29, has not played since injuring his left knee during a Test match at Wellington in February last year. 'The actual bone has knitted back together and the doctors have given me the go-ahead to play. I'm bowling in the nets and much of the old pace is still there,' he said. Lawrence plans to lead his own XI against a Rest of the World side at Cheltenham on 3 August.