Patron role at Lancs for the King

Lancashire say they are “honoured” to welcome King Charles as a patron of the club.

Charles takes over a role his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth, previously held for 70 years and adds it to his position of Marylebone Cricket Club patron.

A portrait has been commissioned and will be hung in the Emirates Old Trafford Long Room once complete.

Andy Anson, chairman of Lancashire Cricket, said: “On behalf of everyone at the club, we are honoured to welcome His Majesty The King as Lancashire Cricket’s new patron.

“We are extremely proud of the club’s connection with the royal family, and we’re delighted that His Majesty The King will continue the tradition of the Duke of Lancaster, being Lancashire Cricket’s patron.

“It would be an absolute pleasure to welcome His Majesty The King to Emirates Old Trafford if the opportunity arises.”

Meanwhile, Nat Sciver-Brunt will miss England’s first game of the summer after undergoing a “minor medical procedure”.

The reigning ICC women’s cricketer of the year will be absent from today’s first T20 against Pakistan at Edgbaston, but has already been cleared to return for the rest of the series. Her middleorder spot goes to the returning Freya Kemp, who comes in after a complicated recovery from a stress fracture of the back and is available as a specialist batter as she completes her rehabilitation.

Speaking on the eve of the match, England captain Heather Knight said: “Nat is unavailable. She’s had a minor medical procedure and the game tomorrow is too soon for her.

“Freya comes in and she’ll bat at five, which is a cool opportunity for her.”