Sporting Digest: Cricket

SUNIL GAVASKAR returns to the scene of one of his greatest triumphs today and tomorrow when he leads India in a day/night six-a-side tournament at The Oval, where he hit 221 against England in 1979. Viv Richards is due to captain a Cricket Legends team, while England, who include Derek Randall, will be led by Dermot Reeve. Jeff Thomson leads Australia in the absence of the injured Greg Chappell.

LANCASHIRE have beaten several counties for the signature of the 16- year-old England Schools player, Andy Flintoff, described by the club coach David Lloyd as 'the best batsman for his age in the country'. Flintoff has agreed a three-year contract.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE have awarded a contract for next season to Mark Steele, the 17-year-old son of their former England batsman, David.