THE lengthening of the evenings is a prompt for a new call to clerical cricketers. The Archbishop of Canterbury’s XI is looking for a new squad of players to represent the Church of England in matches against sacred and secular opposition this summer, with the possibility of a trip to Rome in the autumn.

There are no rules about who might apply, beyond being in holy orders, or in training for them, although experience of playing cricket at school, college, or club level would be a clear advantage. General sporting ability can go a long way, though.

And, taking encouragement from a familiar radio soap — but more particularly from the growing success of women’s cricket — we repeat our desire to see women clergy putting themselves forward.

In the past, we have focused mainly on ordinands or young clergy, and that still might pertain to the Rome trip. But this year we are extending the call to competent cricketers of any age — although, again, it is perhaps worth mentioning general levels of fitness.

Trials will be on 29 April; venue to be announced. You would need to be able to commit yourself to about four matches during the summer. The Rome trip is scheduled for late October.

To put your name forward, or for further information, email your details, with a brief description of your experience and aptitude (opening bat, spin bowler, etc.) to anglicancricket2017@gmail.com.

THIS is also an opportunity to remind readers: your diocese needs you. There has been a shake-up in the Church Times Cricket Cup competition this year, meaning that there will be more opportunities to play, and the need for larger squads of players.

Now is the time to contact team secretaries to talk through the possibilities of playing.