RISHTON cricketers will be easily identifiable as they aim to boost the atmosphere at Blackburn Road.

The club have decided to introduce names and numbers on their shirts for this summer.

"It was just an idea we had," said captain Peter Sleep.

"They do it at county level and Test level and footballers have their names on their shirts.

"We have done it as we are hoping to attract a few more children to the club.

"We have talked to a few and they seemed quite keen on the idea and wanted a kit with their name on so we are hoping it will inspire a few to come to Rishton.

"It makes the players easier to identify as well especially as many wear helmets and I hope it will increase the atmosphere. I think we are the first Lancashire League club to try it out."

Former Australian Test star Sleep won't be decked out in his for the early stages of the season as he will miss the first three games of the new campaign which starts this weekend.

Sleep, who re-wrote Rishton's amateur batting record last season by amassing 1083 runs, is in Bermuda with the Australian Over 35s taking part in a 20/20 competition.

But he is hoping his team-mates take over and give Rishton a good start to the season after they finished 10th last time out.

Their new professional is highly-rated young all-rounder Vernon Philander from South Africa.

They have also snapped up John Cordingley (from Darwen), John Seedle (Stand), Paul Clifford (Accrington) and Mohsin Ahmed (Accrington).

"We should have a good strong squad," said Sleep. "In the past we have been reliant on me and the professional for batting and we have been lacking in the batting department over the last couple of years. So they are all good additions and with the couple of extra batsmen, we should be a little bit stronger.

"Mohsin Ahmed is certainly a good acquisition, although he is banned for the first four games, as he will take a bit of pressure off myself and the pro, as the pro is only young. It is a really big thing for us to pick Mohsin up.

"We have improved over the last few years and we had a good year last year under then captain Scott Greaves so we will be out to improve again and move up the table."

The experienced all-rounder knows, though, it will be hard for him to re-write the club's record books again with missing a few games.

"I miss three and then one for a wedding but you never know what will happen. Nothing is impossible! But my main concern is playing well and finishing higher up the table."

And he thinks the usual suspects will be battling it out at the top end.

"I think Haslingden are always strong and Ramsbottom are a pretty good side and they have picked up two or three players from the Central Lancashire League. Lowerhouse will be strong although they have lost a couple of players and the addition of Chris Cairns is a real coup for Bacup.

"We will just have to see."