Cricket Australia relax rule to gain edge over England

Cricket Australia cleared the way yesterday for prolific Middlesex opener Sam Robson to play in the domestic Sheffield Shield, as they bid to keep him out of the clutches of oldest rivals England.

They announced changes to the rule governing eligibility of Australian players with dual passports to play in more than one (ICC full-member) domestic competition, particularly in England.

Sydney-born Robson, 24, is the leading run scorer in the English County Championship (ECB) this season with Middlesex and the focus of an "Ashes-themed tug of war", say reports.

Robson, whose mother hails from the English city of Nottingham, previously could not be chosen for New South Wales as a domestic player because although born in Australia, he played county cricket on a British passport.

Cricket Australia's rule change has effectively freed Robson from having to choose between New South Wales and Middlesex, allowing him to represent both as England and Australia compete for his international loyalties.

"A number of Australian-qualified cricketers currently playing in ECB competitions in particular are doing so as a local player, meaning if they play in Australia during the summer they need to do so as an overseas player to retain their ECB eligibility," Cricket Australia said.