SUFFOLK batsman Martyn Cull has been cruelly ruled out of a possible appearance at Lord's.The Clacton batsman has been left 'distraught' after breaking his right arm.

By Elvin King

SUFFOLK batsman Martyn Cull has been cruelly ruled out of a possible appearance at Lord's.

The Clacton batsman has been left 'distraught' after breaking his right arm.

Cull played in Suffolk's Minor Counties Knock-Out Trophy semi-final victory over Oxfordshire, and was certain to be in the squad for the final against Cheshire at Lord's on Monday August 27.

He was struck on the arm while guesting for Frinton last Sunday in a prestige match against the Professional Cricketers' Association.

Former England Test all-rounder Chris Lewis was the bowler, and Cull will be out for the season. He underwent an operation on Tuesday.

Former Suffolk stalwart Gary Kirk is now the Clacton manager and he said of Kesgrave-based Cull: “He is Suffolk through and through and I know how much he was looking forward to Lord's.

“He deserved the opportunity, both as a person and player, and now he's been robbed of it.

“Martyn is totally cheesed off and distraught, and the fact he'll miss out on Lord's - which would undoubtedly be the pinnacle of his career - is a massive disappointment.”

Cull played in Suffolk's last three-day game - the big home defeat by Cambridgeshire at Mildenhall - and was in line for the Minor Counties Championship game at Buckinghamshire that starts tomorrow.