Video nicety for Lord's

CRICKET

Lord's is to install a giant video screen for the benefit of spectators this summer. The home of cricket has consistently closed its doors to gimmicks, but the MCC president, Sir Oliver Popplewell, told club members during yesterday's annual meeting that he was happy to give the screen a one-year trial run.

"We shall simply see how it operates, but if it is anything like as good as at Melbourne, it will be an enormously welcome addition to the facilities of the club," Sir Oliver said.

Key moments are replayed on the screens, though controversial incidents - like dubious lbws - do not usually get a second showing.

The Lord's screen, which will be sponsored, will be sited at the Nursery End of the ground on the corner of the Edrich Stand. It can be used during any televised game and is likely to be unveiled when England meet West Indies in the third Texaco Trophy international on 28 May.

n Denis Compton, the former England and Middlesex batsman, yesterday launched a scathing attack on Raymond Illingworth, the chairman of the selectors, accusing him of being too cautious. "He's frightened of his own shadow," he said.

Speaking at the launch of the Bunbury Victory match at The Oval this Saturday, Compton, 76, urged the selectors to give youth a chance. He also doubted whether Michael Atherton, the captain, was a good motivator and said he preferred Sussex's Alan Wells.