HEREFORDSHIRE and its surrounding areas do not usually spring to mind when factors having a major impact on an Ashes Test Series are being considered.

But that has all changed in the last couple of weeks when Llowes-based Henry Pryor's long term invention has played a prominent role in the England strategy for playing the Australian bowlers, and Shane Warne in particular.

His 'Merlyn' bowling machine has been drafted in by the England management to reproduce the exaggerated turn produced by the record test wicket-taker and give the English batsmen vital time to work on their technique for combating it.

The machine is capable of reproducing any kind of ball known to cricket, apparently including the vicious ball which did for Andrew Strauss on Friday evening.

The concept of the machine began in 1991 when 72-year-old Pryor found his bowling was not capable of stretching the talent of his son Matthew. He bought a conventional bowling machine but was disappointed it could not produce a break and the user was also unable to set the delivery required.

He started to develop the machine of his dreams while still living in London but has carried on the work since moving to Llowes 10 years ago. With the assistance of a number of engineers, the first proto-type became operational three years ago with further refinements being carried out on in the interim period.

Pryor is not just a mechanical man as he describes himself as an enthusiastic coach at local level and still spends time helping out at primary schools in the area. Although, with the success of his invention, his time may be a bit more limited in the future.

His enthusiasm has not been quenched yet and he sees the next stage of development as stringing together a combination of different balls to replicate an over.

Meanwhile, the whole country will be hoping that 'Merlyn' can play a part in the England team regaining the Ashes.

l Herefordshire gain first win - see Sports Times 5