Player apathy affects Cumberland

Cumberland have struggled to attract the best players

Cumberland captain Marcus Sharp believes the county's cricket side is being affected by a lack of interest from its most talented players.

"There are good players out there who have played a few games for the county, and should form the nucleus of the side," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"But some just aren't bothered to make the commitments.

"They are good players, but they're not always available and they're not always keen as you would like."

Responding to criticism of a lack of home-based talent, Sharp argued that the door was open to local cricketers, but financial restrictions mean that club cricket can be more lucrative for the best players.

"There are all sorts of reasons that get thrown up. There are multiple problems," he said.

Cannot play media. Sorry, this media is not available in your territory.

"The problem is that decent club cricketers in the north of England tend to get a bob or two for playing at the weekends.

"When there's a clash with the county who only pay a couple of bob, then he who calls the piper pays the tune.

"If there are Cumbrians who are good enough, and keen enough to play, then you can bet that they are in."