Crook Town cricket club, members of the 3D Cricket Durham County League, have appointed 24-year old Australian all-rounder Joe Barnes as their new professional for the 2002 season.

Barnes is a grade 'A' cricketer from Perth, Western Australia. A middle order batsman and medium pace bowler, Barnes is Crook's seventh overseas professional but the first Australian. He replaces Pakistani Shahid Anwar who had been Crook's professional for four seasons.

Crook have also appointed their captains for 2002. Opening bat Darren Brown takes over from Anwar as 1st XI Captain. All-rounder Andy Burgess, also a Northern League striker with Crook Town FC, becomes vice captain. He replaces Calvin Stephenson who has moved to Durham Coast League club Murton as professional.

Neil Davies continues as 2nd XI captain with Craig Dixon as vice captain. Trevor Prest will captain the juniors with Michael Dunn as vice captain and Mark Boughey captains the under 18s with Paul Hutchinson as vice captain. The club's selection committee comprises the 1st and 2nd XI captains, vice chairman Alan Stewart, treasurer Allen March and committee member Ken Harrison