NEWS FROM THE ECB

ECB TURN BULLDOGS TO BALL-DOGS

British Bulldogs will know no boundaries this summer

The ECB today announced that British Bulldogs will be shrugging off their lazy reputation this summer, as they take up a fetching role in this season’s Friends Life t20 competition.

This summer will see an army of the loveable dogs dotted around the boundaries of the nation’s cricket grounds, with the sole purpose of returning balls that have been dispatched over the boundary.

The move comes after a players’ consultation revealed that unnecessary chases over the boundary were increasing the risk of injury and sapping energy during the games.

The ECB have consulted a series of dog experts to ensure that the Bulldogs are fully prepared for their role, both from a physical and psychological perspective. Considerations have also had to be taken with regards to maintaining the condition of the ball.

Paul Taylor, in charge of training the Bulldogs, commented;

“Bulldogs are traditionally considered a lazier breed of dogs, but they’ve proven to be a great hit so far in training. Their low centre of gravity makes for a more efficient pick up and their sturdy build means they are less risk adverse than say, a poodle.

“There have of course been some unforeseen difficulties, most notably the toilet habits of the average British Bulldog. However, the Bulldogs have now been trained to ensure that they do not relieve themselves on the playing surface and dog handlers will on hand at all times as an extra precaution.”

Steve Elworthy, ECB spokesperson said;

“Cricket encapsulates all that is right about Britishness and we wanted to take this a step further with the introduction of the ultimate British dog.

“Friends Life t20 is all about doing something different and we’re proud to try something that will save the players exerting unnecessary energy and risking injury, while also providing added entertainment to the action on the pitch.”

For more information about the Bulldogs, the ECB or Friends Life t20 please contact:

Greg Double on 020 7693 6999 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 two and a half hours, with each innings lasting around 75 minutes.

·         This Friends Life t20 competition begins on Tuesday 12^th June with three groups of six teams competing for a place in the quarter finals. The top two of each group, plus the two best third place teams qualify for the quarter finals. Winners of the four quarter finals progress to Finals Day where both semi-finals and the final are played.