The competition was devised for the ECB to keep grass roots cricket active through the winter, with fund-raising benefits for the 250 clubs involved.

The ECB want to expand the competition, exploiting more fully the potential of 6,500 affiliated clubs, and the BBC's involvement added a certain credibility.

The final, between Adrian Dale's old club Chepstow, and Oxted, from Surrey -Tony Lock was their most famous player - is due to be broadcast on on May 26. Greater London Radio presenter Gideon Coe asked the questions in the Lord's banqueting suite on Friday.

Incidentally, the identity of the Test player representing Cambridge University this season understandably defeated both teams, because rain had allowed Greg Loveridge, of New Zealand, no innings and 11 wicketless overs at Fenner's.

Another quiz event is being pushed by Benson and Hedges to mark the last of their 27 years as one of the ECB's major sponsors.

They have organised a cricket showcase celebrity quiz and discussion evenings for the county grounds at Canterbury on May 5 and at Old Trafford on May 8, admission free.