News about Alan Ward

VIEW OF BY RICHARD GIBSON: Whenever prospective England Test bowlers are assessed, focus is on whether or not they make a difference. Well, Sam Cook does: his wickets have been taken more economically than any other competitor for more than half a century. Some may be quicker through the air, make the pitch harder, or get more bounce, but they will not be able to match the stats of the 25-year-old seamer in a burgeoning career that has already had two County Championship titles. Last September, he became the first Englishman to claim 200 first-class victims at a cost of less than 20 runs apiece since Alan Ward of Derbyshire in 1971. In the first innings of the new County Championship match at Chelmsford, five Lancashire scalps tally at 213 to 17.9 for Essex.

WORLD OF CRICKET: How different things could have been different had Key (inset right) - who has been getting a breath of fresh air since swapping commentary for administration - go with Gary Kirsten (inset left), the man who has been the most popular candidate for the position since losing Brendon McCullum (pictured). Since being reassured that he had earned the job, he began rearranging his life and interests in Cape Town to make sure he was able to make the move to England. Rather, he had to make do with Welsh Fire's remaining coach, who had won no victories in eight games in the Hundred after struggling in Cardiff. England is calling for a sliding door call.

Countess Wessex's on Wednesday in Lancaster on a visit to commemorate the Countess of Preston and the 20th anniversary of the city's independance. Sophie, 57, was welcomed by her husband Prince Edward as they took a tour of Lancaster Castle Prison and viewed a clay bust of Edward by sculptor Alan Ward. Sophie paired a tailored suit with a white blouse to make her look chic.