[Sparkologist]

Peter Martin, the former fast bowler for Lancashire & England, will be the paid man for Accrington tomorrow, playing in the Colne Trophy, against Todmorden.

Accrington's professional for the 2009 season is the returning Roy Silva, from Sri Lanka. Unfortunately he isn't returning as soon as expected due to visa procurement. Hence the need for a stand-in paid man.

Accy's captain, the legend that is David Ormerod, has worked very hard to secure a quality signing for the season opener.

I have watched "Digger Martin" playing for Lancashire many times. He formed a formidable new ball partnership with Ian Austin. Not many times was he taken to the cleaners by the opposition batsmen, taking over a thousand wickets at Test Match, County Championship and One Day level.

With Digger Martin opening the bowling, probably alongside Jimmy Hayhust, Dibber Ormerod might have to relegate himself to first change bowler.

Come on down to Accrington Cricket Club tomorrow, to see Peter Martin, who was born in the town, tie the opposition down to a low score. I'm predicting an Accy win, knowing the quality of pro' that we've managed to enlist.