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In contrast to the blazing July sun, domestic cricket is set to welcome its coolest arrival for four seasons: the NatWest Pro40 competition.

NatWest Pro40 is brand new for 2006 and comprising of two 40 over innings, it bridges the gap between the much loved Twenty20 and more traditional forms game.

Seen by the ECB as cricket’s ‘dark side’ and not a contest to be taken lightly, it is expected that counties will battle with grit and determination in the summer’s last chance silverware saloon.

Worcestershire Royals launch their campaign - and indeed the entire division two action - with a home floodlit match against Gloucestershire Gladiators on Wednesday 19th July.

With Worcestershire and Gloucestershire pitted against each other in long standing local rivalry, both teams are sure to put up a fierce fight in the clash.

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Surrey County Cricket Club are delighted to announce the arrival of their overseas signing, Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble.

Kumble did not report to the Brit Insurance Oval for the start of the season because of international commitments. He returned home after India’s four match Test series with the West Indies, before coming to Surrey, to spend some time with his wife and new born baby.

He is due to fly into Heathrow early this afternoon, and will take his place in the Surrey side for the match against Somerset at Guildford, starting on Wednesday 19 July.

Kumble played an instrumental role in his country’s 1-0 Test series victory over the West Indies, the first on Caribbean soil since 1971. He took 23 wickets, in the process surpassing Courtney Walsh to become the fourth leading Test match wicket taker of all time.

Surrey first team coach Alan Butcher believes that Kumble will have a positive influence on the Surrey team. He said “Anil is a world class spinner with a great deal of international and first class experience. His ability, character and professionalism will be a great addition to the dressing room, as we push for promotion into division one.”

Kumble is expected to be available for the rest of the season, however this is subject to his selection in India’s triangular one-day series against Sri Lanka and South Africa, which starts in Sri Lanka on August 14.

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