AS a keen follower of local cricket I was pleased to read the article in last week's paper about the formation of a Wiltshire Cricket Development Team.

The sentiments expressed by Wiltshire Cricket Board (WCB) match manager, Brian White, echoed thoughts that I have harboured for a number of years i.e. there is little opportunity after the age of 17 for the talented cricketer to perform at a higher level unless he can force himself into the full county XI.

Unfortunately, when I studied the team selected to play, I began to wonder if there are any Wiltshire players who fit this criteria.

Or perhaps it is a case of the selectors not doing their job.

Not that I am decrying the ability of those chosen. But to see two South Africans as well as several of the under 19s team in the development team does not seem to be sending out the message that there are a number of 20-year-olds pressing for inclusion in the full squad.

Yet the sides I most frequently watch, Chippenham and Corsham, have to my knowledge at least three players who meet the criteria (Humphreys, Dennett and Sharpe) and in the case of the latter two players who have been performing at the highest level for Corsham in the West of England Premier League.

Come on WCB, look around at the talent available and ensure that this praiseworthy endeavour is not wasted just to give games to players who are not going to aspire to the full Wiltshire squad.

E WRIGHTE

Chippenham.