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...and with a glorious cover drive Allan Lamb brings the Ashes back home to England for the third successive year.

OK, wishful thinking again, but if we can't do it out there on the pitch, there's no reason why we can't do it within the confines of our CPC screens, is there?

Well, you may not be able to contest for the Ashes in this little package, but if you're into one day, limited over, League or Cup matches, or drawn out 5 day contests, then this is the game for you.

As the captain of one of the leading county Elevens, it's your job to maintain your team through both the John Player and Cornhill Assurance Leagues as well as the two cup competitions. It's a pretty tall order and you'll have to be on the ball at all times to come good.

The greatest aspect of this simulation is the sheer size of the menu options. You may well start off with a fairly solid side at the start of the season, but if you want to improve, you'll need to keep a close eye on every one of your players. How's their run rate? Are your bowlers hitting the mark? Should one or two of your regulars be rested to give some of the youth players a chance to shine?

Well, a little honest competition for places never did any harm did it? Using your scouts to your best advantage, put together the team you think will do the best on the day, taking injuries into account, as well as any new signings you may have acquired. Sorted it out? Right, get out there on the pitch and do your stuff!

Each of your players may have a favourite shot or bowl, so use them wisely to accumulate the high scores, toppling your opponents at the same time with your demon bowlers.

At the end of the day, whether you win or lose, you can cast your eye over the scoreboard and pick out the best performances for future use. At the same time, take a look at the results coming in from the other matches around the country to find out where you stand.

Perform well, by using a good mix of seasoned and young players, and your directors will be happy. If not, it's back to the training ground to rethink your strategy. Combining superb match action with excellent background pre-match strategy, Cricket Captain is a must for lovers of the sound of leather against willow.

The variety of options give you a real feel for the game, while the colourful game sequences let you see just how well your thinking works out. Howzat? Excellent.