Maharoof is prize catch

CRICKET: 

SRI Lanka’s Farveez Maharoof will play in the new Pennine Cricket League next season.

Filling the vacancy at Rochdale left by last season’s pro, prolific run scorer Wensley Lansdale, won’t be easy, but Maharoof has the pedigree to be just as successful.

The 32 year old was Lancashire’s overseas player when the county won the First Division title in 2011 and played against England at Lord’s that summer.

With over 100 ODIs for Sri Lanka under his belt, he brings a wealth of experience to Redbrook.

And, as current captain of his country’s top domestic side Nondescripts, Maharoof will add valuable tactical advice.



LITTLEBOROUGH have also gone to Sri Lanka for their new pro pro. Sachrithra Serasinghe takes over from Pakistan’s Mohammed Zaman Khan at Hare Hill and brings an impressive batting record to the club.

The 28-year-old has been on three Sri Lanka ‘A’ tours, including one to England, and boasts a first-class haul of 4,920 runs at 43.92 per innings.



MILNROW have gone back to a tried and tested performer as they look to make an impact in the PCL.

South African Rudi Second (26) was a massive hit at Ladyhouse in 2014 when he scored 1,538 runs at a staggering average of 153.80 — almost double that of any other professional in the league.

He also took 37 wickets at an average of 20.92 with his off breaks.

Second, who plays for Free Knights franchise back home, replaces his South African compatriot, James Price.



NORDEN were CLL Premier Division and Wood Cup champions in 2014 and 2015, but one of the star

performers of that success, Australian professional Daniel Salpietro, will not be coming back to Woodhouse Lane next summer. Instead, Norden will rely on South African Jon Jon Smuts, a 27-year-old opening batsman and left-arm spinner.