STAND-IN substitute professional Adnam Malik claimed a notable first scalp with just his third ball in Transco Lancashire League cricket to suggest that Colne may have unearthed a hidden talent.

The Karachi youngster was given an 11th-hour call-up by Colne after Littleborough's Lee Castledine was ruled out of yesterday's game at Worsley Cup finalists Ramsbottom with a bad back.

And the left-arm spinner removed the league's most prolific batsman inside his first over when he forced Ramsbottom professional Michael Clarke to edge to Nick Moulding at first slip.

Clarke had hit Malik's first delivery to the fence, albeit off a slight miscue, to go to 974 runs for the season as Ramsbottom made a flying start.

The New South Wales run-machine put on 50 with Nick Riley before Malik was introduced into the attack in the eighth-over.

The Pakistani not only applied the brakes but also picked up three more wickets to finish with 4-23 as Ramsbottom collapsed to 102-6 off 36 overs before the rain prevented Colne from pushing home their advantage.

However, there was enough time for Malik to impress and the spinner, who had been netting at the Horsfield while looking for a club to widen his experience in English conditions, is likely to be given further opportunities.

Colne have filled most of their slots with substitute professionals following the return home of Charl Langeveldt but are expected to play Malik in another couple of games if he doesn't get fixed up elsewhere.

ADNAM MALIK is looking for a club or substitute professional roles for the remainder of the season. Any clubs interested should contact Colne's Gary Hunt on 01282 864841.