WISDEN'S editor has accused Mike Foster of talking 'drivel' after the Worcester MP claimed the cricket bible was biased against state schools.

Mr Foster had taken a swipe at the 140-year-old cricketing institution, by saying it should give equal coverage to state schools as it does to 'schools like Eton or Harrow'.

However, Matthew Engel, editor of Wisden Crick-eter's Almanack, said that Mr Foster should start checking his facts.

"He's talking total drivel," he said.

"He is more than 20 years out of date.

"Mike Foster knows me and it's such a ridiculous suggestion. It's absurd.

"Wisden is open to any school that asks to be in and can convince us that they are playing an acceptable level of cricket."

Mr Engel, from St Margaret's, in Hereford-shire, added: "It's a fact that of the schools reported in Wisden a smaller percentage than we would like are state schools, and I think Mr Foster has to ask himself why.

"One reason is that a great many school playing fields are now built on as housing estates.

The idea that a Labour MP should attack the messenger seems ridiculous."

Mike Foster, a keen cricket fan, had made the claims as he launched the new Chance to Shine initiative - to encourage competitive cricket in the state schools.

"Personally, I also believe that Wisden should feature these competitive matches just as they report on those played by independent schools," he had said.

"That way, the cricketing establishment will be sending a signal that state school cricket is just as important as that played in private schools like Eton or Harrow."

Mr Foster, a member of the all-party parliamentary sports group, also said he wanted to see more cricket played in schools.

Worcestershire's cricket development manager, former county star Stuart Lampitt, revealed that more than 100 state school teams will play in tournaments this summer.

He said three community coaches would soon be available to visit schools, more clubs were achieving a national kitemark for standards and participation was rising.