RAMSBOTTOM'S JonathanFielding has been chosen as part of the 2019 Lancashire Cricket Academy.

The left handed batsman will join 12 other players and will be coached by former Lancashire off-spinner Gary Yates.

Academy director, Gary Yates added: “To maximise the chances of an Academy player reaching the top it’s very important that our programme is tailored to what each individual requires.

“Moving forward the players have to deal with high competition, working outside of their comfort zones and constantly being challenged.”

Meanwhile, Burnley have signed South African Shadley Van Schalkwyk as their professional for the 2019 season.

The South African currently plays for the Knights and has extensive experience of the Lancashire League.

Burnley’s Head of Senior Cricket David Brown said: “We believe with Shadley’s signing that we have secured a top quality player who will not only significantly strengthen the first 11 but also help to develop many of the talented younger players.

“We would like to thank Gary Hunt at Cric-Intro for all his help in sourcing Shadley and making what can be a difficult process very straight-forward.”

Darwen have signed South African Marques Ackerman as their pro for 2019.

The 22-year-old is a left handed top order batsman and a right arm off-spin bowler.

Marques has scored 1236 runs that include three centuries and eight fifties from 24 matches.

Clitheroe have signed Sri Lankan Suraj Randiv as their professional for the 2019 season.

The off spinner took 89 wickets and scored 654 runs in the 2015 Northern League winning season for Morecambe.