THEY may be struggling in the Lancashire League but Ramsbottom Cricket Club were able to get one over on some illustrious opponents in a very unusual game at Acre Bottom last week.

England captain Joe Root was joined by fast bowling legend Jimmy Anderson, England internationals Kate Cross and Amy Jones and former spinning stars Phil Tufnell and Graeme Swann on a visit to the famous old ground where they were filming a advert for new England Cricket Board (ECB) partners Cinch.

A spokesman for Cinch, an online used car marketplace, said: “Joe Root and Amy Jones faced Ramsbottom Cricket Club for a faff-free cricket match with a difference and the results were hilarious.

“Ramsbottom CC were trying to bowl out living legends Root and Jones but luckily Cinch sent in some reinforcements.

“Because Cinch is about making things as easy as possible, that’s exactly what Jimmy Anderson and Kate Cross, under the instruction of Phil Tufnell and Graeme Swann, were brought in to do.”

“Operation ‘multi-stump’ is just one of a number of hilarious operations that was deployed by Cinch to help Ramsbottom CC.

“Keep your eyes peeled on @cinchUK social channels for more over the coming days/weeks.”

Cinch were named the new principal partner to England Cricket from May 2021 taking over from Natwest.

Avril Palmer-Baunack, Chairman of Constellation Automotive Group, Cinch owners, said: “This is a significant and exciting multi-year partnership for Cinch.

“Cinch will support the growth of cricket at all levels as England teams continue to impress and cricket innovates to bring more people to increasingly exciting formats.

“We’re championing England Cricket the same way we champion innovation and ease for the UK’s motorists - taking the faff out of buying a car.”