Cricket: Barnett's victory over county

Derbyshire's former captain, Kim Barnett, yesterday claimed a victory for "cricketers everywhere" after winning his two-month dispute with the county. He was ready to take Derbyshire to an appeal hearing at Lord's after they fined him pounds 1,500 for making media statements made in the wake of Dean Jones' walk-out in June.

Derbyshire had banned their players from commenting on the former Australian Test player's resignation but in a statement issued today, the club accepted that "it was inappropriate for officers of the committee to impose a ban on players speaking to the media in such circumstances. Players and committee agreed that players can make public statements as long as they observe the new guidelines from the England and Wales Cricket Board. The committee therefore agree that Kim Barnett has never been in breach of his contract with the club."

Barnett said: "This has established an important principle for cricketers, not just here, but everywhere."

Derbyshire also faced up to the prospect of losing their talented batsman Chris Adams, who has repeatedly asked over the last four years for his release. The chairman, Vic Brownett, said he had held "20 hours of talks" with Adams, his family and agent to try to get him to make a commitment to Derbyshire, but he was forced to admit: "I think it's unlikely he will stay."

Northamptonshire have held a further meeting with Shane Warne in their bid to persuade the Australian leg-spinner to join the county. The club's chief executive, Steve Coverdale, and the chairman, Lynn Wilson, met Warne and his adviser, Austin Robertson. Northamptonshire have denied speculation that they offered Warne the captaincy, but are believed to be competing for the Australian's services along with Nottinghamshire, Lancashire and Sussex.

County cricket, page 22