NEWS FROM THE ECB

THE ONLY WAY IS CRICKET

Sam Faiers pads up for launch of the Lazy Bar Walkers (LBW)

TOWIE star Sam Faiers is set to bowl over Twenty20 cricket fans after being announced as captain of the LBW – Lazy Bar Walkers.

The new LBW initiative by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is being launched with a photoshoot that sees Sam give a whole new meaning to the term ‘Leg Before Wicket’ as the sporty siren exchanges her handbag for a cricket bat.

Sam’s latest starring role sees her captain The LBW team during the Friends Life t20 competition. Along with Sam, the Lazy Bar Walkers will be helping cricket fans enjoy the games even more this summer by being match-goers’ personal helper.
Following feedback from fans, the ECB set up the LBW service so that groups of match-goers wouldn’t miss any of the excitement of Friends Life t20 cricket which is a much faster and adrenaline filled variety of the sport.

On the LBW, Sam said; “Obviously I’m a supporter of the Essex Eagles and having been to a few t20 matches I understand the frustration of being stuck at the bar whilst all the action is happening at the crease.

“The LBW will take this pain away. We’re here so that cricket fans can enjoy the Friends Life t20 tournament even more than ever before and I like to think we can also provide a bit of friendly banter!”

The Friends Life t20 series is the first cricket competition where the LBW has been implemented in the UK and was selected due to the tournament’s lively nature which proves a great day out for groups of friends to watch matches together.

A spokesperson for the ECB also commented: “The Friends Life t20 is an all out action competition. The speed of the game is so fast that if you blink, you will miss it.

“We asked fans how to make it better and the feedback was to reduce the game of tasks such as going to the bar and queuing for food. Hence the Lazy Bar Walkers were formed and we’re extremely pleased to have Sam as our team captain.”

Hitting t20 for six, the team of Lazy Bar Walkers are available for hire for free from the LBW’s bespoke website www.lazybarwalkers.co.uk. To reserve a LBW, cricket fans can choose their own LBW, girl or boy, who will accompany them to the match.

For more information about the Lazy Bar Walkers Service, the ECB or Friends Life t20 please contact:

Frank PR or email ecb@frankpr.it

-ENDS-

Notes to editor:
• A t20 game involves two teams, each has a single innings batting for a maximum of 20 overs.
• A t20 game is completed in about three and half hours, with each innings lasting around 75 minutes.
• It was introduced to create a lively form of the game which would be attractive to spectators at the ground and viewers on television.
• The Friends Life t20 season runs from 1st June through to Finals Day in 2011 at Edgbaston on August 27.