Cricket returns to PS2. We're bowled over...

Thanks to the antics of J. Wilkinson and pals, cricket has been firmly relegated to third place in the nation's sporting affections. And we suspect that the prospect of another helping of EA's first class leather and willow sim will be greeted by the majority with all the enthusiasm of a ball in the googlies. Still, it's a peach of a delivery for fans.

Cricket 2004 is everything you'd expect from an EA Sports title. From the hundreds of real players and stadiums to fully licensed English and Aussie domestic seasons, a wealth of Test Match options and top-draw commentary from Richie Benaud, it's all in there.

On the pitch there's little change since Cricket 2002. It remains an expert rendition of the sport with concentration and timing the required skills for success. Bowling is a three-step process. First you guide a target to where you want to pitch the ball, then adjust a pointer to add spin and hit X at the optimum moment. Batting involves selecting your shot type with the D-pad than hitting one of the buttons to perform a front or back foot stroke.

This will all be familiar to cricket game aficionados but despite the minimal changes, there's only so much you can do with cricket in a videogame, and this is as good as it gets. In fact, it's all you get. No-one else has deemed it wise to bring the sport to PS2 and we can't see ECS Street appearing any time soon.

Graphics 80%
Typically accomplished EA presentation.

Sound 70%
Excellent commentary and crowd politeness.

Gameplay 80%
It's like, y'know, cricket. We love it.

Lifespan 80%
It' ll take you years to win everything!

Overall 80%
Just about everything a gamer who loves cricket could wish for. It's highly addictive, vast in scope and superbly executed.