AUSTRALIAN cricket chief James Sutherland has expressed fond memories of his playing days in Lancashire after accepting an honorary life membership from Chorley Cricket Club.

The committee at Windsor Park handed him the honour as a reward for the continued work he has done for the club.

A professional player at Windsor Park in 1991, he was later appointed chief executive of Cricket Australia after a successful career in cricket administration after his playing days had ended.

While playing for Victoria cricket team in Australia, he twice claimed the wickets of Justin Langer and also dismissed Ricky Ponting.

Sutherland was more recently in Chorley during the Ashes tour last summer after he agreed to speak at a fundraising event at the Little Hong Kong restaurant.

The appeal proved to be hugely successful, helping the club raise enough funds to build a new pavilion and dressing room.

He said: “I have always been very proud of my association with Chorley Cricket Club.

“The club and its members have always remained close to my heart and the summer of 1991 was a season that I remember with great affection and happiness.

“I have no doubt that the primary reason for that is the manner in which the Chorley people welcomed me to their town and their club.”

The clubs pre-season nets resume on Wednesday, January 29 from 8pm – 9.30pm at Bishop Rawstorne High School, Croston.