FED-up with the usual sporting fodder on the PlayStation? You know, soccer, tennis, more soccer, golf, ice hockey, wrestling, ice hockey and even more soccer?

Then you could do worse than take a look at Brian Lara Cricket, out now from Codemasters. Even if you don't know a googly from a bouncer, it doesn't matter because you'll soon pick up the basics.

It's the first cricket game I've come across for the PlayStation and when I first heard of it I was a little sceptical : I just couldn't visualise cricket on the little grey box. But how wrong can you be!

I took to this game within minutes, impressed by the fluidity of the players and the fantastic stadiums, all in superb 3D.

Brian Lara Cricket boasts next generation sports simulation and stars from today and yesterday are there, whether taking part in the action or commentating. You can play day and night matches in more than 40 international stadiums, mixing in all the other elements - the pitch, weather and overall conditions.

You can even break with reality completely and have matches in England played out in glorious sunshine!

You and your team bowl, bat and field your way through all the top tournaments and individual matches around the world, like Test series, World series Tournaments and World Cup competition.

Even if you have never played the game, you will soon be at home. Bowling is a whizz, as you control a white spot, freezing it in the place you want the ball to bounce on its way to the wicket. Get more into the game, and you'll be adding some wicked spin.

And when it's your turn to bat, don't worry about the early ducks. You'll soon be doing your side proud as you smash your way to a dream score.

And to give that real touch of authenticity we have Geoff Boycott and Jonathan Agnew providing the commentary. A good game. JE

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.