Morgan under pressure in ECB chairman challenge

David Morgan, the chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, could face a leadership challenge from his deputy, Mike Soper.

County chairmen are understood to be frustrated by Morgan's handling of the Zimbabwe issue and a review of the domestic game. Many believe a decision on the controversial October tour should have been taken by now.

Several members of the First Class Forum, the body representing the 18 first-class counties, are understood to be pressing former Surrey chairman Soper to stand against Morgan when his term of office ends in September.

Soper said: "There is disquiet among the county chairmen over the way things are being handled at Lord's."

Meanwhile, Hampshire all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas has received three penalty points under the ECB's disciplinary code, after being reported for dissent in Sunday's totesport League match against Essex.

Today, C&G, 2nd rnd - Dublin: Ireland v Surrey. The Grange: Scotland v Essex. Reading: Berkshire v Kent. The Brithey: Wales v Middlesex. Riverside: Durham v Sussex. Alderley Edge: Cheshire v Hants. March: Cambridge v Northants. Stone: Staffs v Lancashire. Lindum: Lincs v Glamorgan. Amsterdam: Holland v Gloucs. Exmouth: Devon v Leics. Derby: Derbyshire v Somerset. Luctonians: Hereford v Worcs. Westbury: Wilts v Notts. Wellington: Shropshire v Warwicks. Bournemouth: Dorset v Yorkshire.