New eligibility rules

Press, 18 March 1981, Page 17

New eligibility rules

N Z P A London Ove;seas players who want to play cricket tor England , will have to become British citizens, the Test and County Cricket B-ard'decided at its spring meeting at London. It was also disclosed that Alec Bedser’s 13-year reign as chairman of the England selectors will end next September, after this summer’s Ashes series. The board decided, in principle, to adopt a working-party proposal on tighter regulations for overseas players, but there will have to be consultation with lawyers because of the British Government’s forthcoming Nationality Act. The board’s decision comes after the sudden application last season of South African or Rho-desian-born players to be considered for the England test side. ■The position of Gloucestershire’s Mike Procter, Leicester shire's Brian-Davison, and Northamptonshire's Allan Lamb will not be affected,, but, in future, prospective England test players will have to state their’intentions to qualify, and will have to show

this In a practical way by becoming British citizens. Alec Bedser, who has spent 20 years on the selection panel, will be replaced by Peter May, his Surrey team mate in the 19505, for the 1982 season. Mr May, at present the president of M.C.C., captained England a record 41 times. Since 1969 Mr Bedser has always offered himself as chair, man, but at yesterday’s meeting it was decided to revert to the old system, under which a chairman automatically stepped down after an Australian visit to England. Mr Bedser, aged 60, has not been cast aside without tribute from the board. In announcing the change, Mr Peter Lush, a T.C.C.B. spokesman, said: “Mr Bedser has given superb service to the game, as a selector and chairman. He has Indicated his willingness to continue to serve the game in the future, either as a selector or in any other capacity.” “In due course the right and proper tribute will be paid to Alec for what he has done for English cricket over the years. He still has another full year as

I chairman, and the time to thank | him formally will be at the end of his official duties.” , , • Mr Bedser was the cornerstone of England’s attack In the 10 ■ years after the war, and the implication is that the T.C.C.B. is reserving something pretty special to honour him. The board also approved new regulations for conditions of play after rain. In general, the loose standards that apply in John Player cricket — which is often played in mud and drizzle — will apply to all games including tests. Umpires will be empo-, wcred to order matting to be placed over damp areas. A system of fines will be introduced for players who overstep the mark with- advertising 'material on equipment. In a county match, any player who has Illegal markings on shirts, pads, etc. — bats are exempt by tradition — will cost his countr £5O, £lOO, and £lOO in increasing fines. A test player will bo treated more severely. He will pay £lOO for a first offence, and will be dropped from the next test if he repeats his action.