Cricket: Tudor in danger if Gough returns

THE ENGLAND captain, Nasser Hussain, confirmed yesterday that, if Darren Gough is 100 per cent fit, he will definitely play in the second Test Match against New Zealand at Lord's next week - which may spell trouble for Alex Tudor.

Tudor's outstanding batting in the seven-wicket win at Edgbaston has increased England's options, even if his bowling may not have been completely on song. Alan Mullally is now an essential part of the England set-up, and Andy Caddick excelled on his recall.

England will be making regular checks on Gough's fitness after the Yorkshire fast bowler missed the series opener with a calf strain. "We don't want to rush Goughie back," Hussain said. "He's a key man and there is plenty of Test cricket coming up with the tour of South Africa in the winter. But if Darren is 100 per cent fit, then he will play. He is our No 1."

Hussain was speaking at Lord's at the launch of a joint scheme to boost English cricket. The project, "Improving the Health of English Cricket", has been devised by the County Championship sponsors, PPP healthcare, and the England and Wales Cricket Board.

The scheme is aimed at developing grass-roots projects in partnership with all first-class counties. On submitting an acceptable scheme, each county will receive pounds 2,000 to help developments in their area.

More opportunities for counties to increase the level of funding during the season will come from the PPP "Cricket in the Community Awards".

NATWEST TROPHY Quarter-final draw: Lancashire v Yorkshire; Glamorgan v Gloucestershire; Somerset v Kent; Northamptonshire v Surrey. Ties to be played Wednesday 28 July.