Around 50 clubs are predicted to sign up to the Greater Manchester cricket league initially, which will replace established leagues across the county and operate with a multi-division structure.

The Lancashire Cricket Board women’s cricket team has changed its moniker to LCB Thunder, in an attempt to increase media interest in the side following last season’s promotion.

This April marked the first time the women’s squad have joined their male counterparts at the pre-season media day at the club’s Old Trafford ground.