LANCASHIRE Cricket Club, riding high at the present, owe a lot to their world-beating star, Muttiah Muralitharan.

To have his services for only part of a season is hardly good enough. Other commitments take him away; his first duty being to his country.

All well and good, but doesn't the present predicament call for new thinking by the governing body?

As in the Lancashire League, when a player returns home or is injured, a replacement professional is allowed.

Could Lancashire, knowing the dates of his arrival or departure, not contract a player of class to start or complete the season?

Chris Scholefield, who shows great potential as a leg spinner, is still not the finished article, but in his limited opportunities has shown great promise.

He can make a place in the side by producing the goods in his infrequent appearances.

All the problems have been caused by the endless stream of games arranged all over the world by the competing countries. I feel the load will be even greater when teams like Bangladesh, Kenya and Holland are accepted into the big time.

Lancashire need a Muralitharan, but I am not sure the present arrangement will be a good thing for the club.

K SOWERBUTTS (Mr), Southwood Drive, Baxenden.

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