Identical twins Saleem and Nadeem Mohammed have subsequently quit Cambridgeshire following allegations of ``racist remarks'' by Staffordshire fielders.

The incident blew up when Saleem was struck on the helmet by a short-pitched delivery from David Womble, but Stuart Bourne, the Staffordshire secretary, said: ``We strenuously deny any racist abuse, either intended or implied.'' Nadeem has since cited availability problems for influencing his decision to call it a day.

Staffordshire, level with Buckinghamshire at the head of the Eastern Division, recalled David Cartledge out of retirement for this week's draw at Cumberland. Cartledge, 42, obliged with 52 in yesterday's second innings.

In the Western Division, Shropshire are top after a seven-wicket victory over Berkshire at Bridgnorth.

Minor Counties Championship - Millom: Staffs 252-8 & 272-3 (L Potter 143 not, D Cartledge 52, P E Wellings 50); Cumberland 225-5 & 126-2 (S M Dutton 58 not, A D Mawson 55 not). Drawn; Cumberland 7pts, Staffs 2.