Cork's days numbered at Lancs (From The Bolton News)

Cork's days numbered at Lancs

9:28pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008 in

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Lancashire bowler Dominic Cork has revealed that he is free to talk to other counties as he comes to the end of his current contract at Old Trafford.

The 36 year-old former England and Derbyshire ace has stated that he wants to extend his stay in the North-west into the 2009 season.

He signed on with the Red Rose county in 2004, and last night said: “I have been told that Lancashire are not in a position yet to offer me a contract for next season. The cricket manager has given me permission to talk to other counties.”

All players in the last year of their contract are put on a release that goes to each of the 18 first-class counties.

And because cricket manager Mike Watkinson is not yet in a position to offer a new deal, then the rules state Lancashire are actually powerless to prevent Cork talking to other sides.

Cork took one of three Hampshire wickets to fall on yesterday’s second day of the County Championship match at Old Trafford.

The visitors, in reply to Lancashire’s first innings 357, were reduced to 35-3 also thanks to wickets for Sajid Mahmood and Glen Chapple.

But Michael Brown and Chris Benham both recorded unbeaten half-centuries in an unbroken fourth wicket partnership of 139 to take their side to 174-3 at close.

Opener Brown, a former Lancashire second team player, led the way with 75. Benham nearly caught him up by reaching 70.

“It has been quite a solid day,” continued Cork. “It could have gone better, yes of course it could. But on quite a docile pitch, not easy to bat or bowl on, I think we have done as well as we can do.”

Cork earlier hit 35 from 42 balls to make sure Lancs clinched four batting bonus points. It was looking dicey at 294-8 when Francois Du Plessis was removed for 57.

But Cork whacked five fours and a towering six off leg-spinner Imran Tahir, who picked up 5-123, in a ninth wicket alliance of 47 with Gary Keedy (15).

Mahmood was the pick of Lancashire’s bowlers yesterday, claiming the wicket of Sean Ervine courtesy of a stunning catch by Du Plessis at point before lunch.

He finished with figures of 1-33 from 16 overs in a demonstration of his sheer pace, coupled with a new-found consistency.

With regards to Cork’s future, the man himself would not confirm whether any county is interested in his signature.