SIR – The chief executivie of Worcestershire, Mark Newton, is apparently “annoyed intensely” that the club has been fined for fielding an ineligible player and says that there is “not always time” to check things out.

Since all that was required was a phone call to the Surrey club this excuse is unconvincing. We all accept that mistakes can be made, especially when the club was misled by the player, but it would have shown greater leadership for Mr Newton simply to accept responsibility for the breach and to assure members that it will not be allowed to happen again.

Kelvin Hard,
Worcester.