Law hits out at decision to release Cork

10:39pm Wednesday 13th August 2008

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Lancashire captain Stuart Law last night launched an astonishing attack on the club’s cricket committee for not consulting him over the decision to release Dominic Cork.

Law admitted that he would have fought tooth and nail to keep the former England star, a 37-year-old who he described as “a fantastic servant to Lancashire cricket.”

Law was informed on Monday night of the decision, and said: “I would have liked an opportunity to put my case forward because players like Dominic Cork don’t come off the conveyor belt too often. Yes he’s 37, but there’s life in the old dog yet.

“I’m the captain of the team. I have to walk out with these players – and if they’re not in the best frame of mind, I have to deal with it.

“People sitting up there drinking their Gin and Tonics, they don’t have to deal with it.

“I’m sure there’ll be repercussions. I’ll be dragged into an office somewhere to find out what I mean by all these statements, but I’m telling the truth. I still believe he’s good enough to play county cricket.

“When a game is going nowhere you can just walk up to Corky and say ‘mate I need six overs, you try and hit them on the head, get under their skin, do whatever you can’.

“At the moment, I don’t see anybody else who can do that. But I am willing to be proved wrong.”

Lancashire have a general committee and a cricket committee, who made the decision on Cork. Law chose not to attend committee meetings at the start of the season because he wanted to look after on-field issues.

“I’ve chosen not to turn up to committee meetings because I’m not really bothered how hot my tea is or where my car is parked,” he continued.

Law wants to return as Red Rose captain next year, but realises that his outburst may affect that.

“What I’ve just said may affect my decision (to stay on)? I may not have a decision. I’ve just told the truth,” he said.

“I’m just speaking from the heart. Dominic Cork is still a fine cricketer.”

Lancashire’s batsmen slumped to 204-8 when play finally started midway through today’s second day of the Championship match against Yorkshire.