MALMESBURY will enter the 2002 season without key overseas man BK Majumder after the recent clampdown on visas and work permits in India.

The Wiltshire club had hoped to secure the services of the influential Majumder in time for Saturday's opener against Frocester at The Worthys, but are still anxiously awaiting the outcome of their lengthy negotiations with the visa section of the Foreign Office in London and the Deputy British High Commission in Calcutta.

The same problem has affected both Corsham and Calne in the run-up to the new season.

Club chairman John Williams admitted he is becoming increasing frustrated with the situation.

He said: "We hoped BK would be here by now but, because one or two of those who said they would play cricket have just come over here and worked instead, they aren't letting anybody in.

"All they are doing is tarring everyone with the same brush.

"BK has booked his flight for next week but, if he does get his visa, he will be the second person from the Calcutta area to do so.

"He helped everyone on and off the pitch last year and it is sad.

"His dedication to fitness and the mental approach helped the side to play to their very highest potential."

Without Majumder, Malmesbury will be reliant on a mixture of older heads and promising youngsters as they bid to improve on last season's fourth placed finish in Gloucester and Wiltshire Division One.

The batting performances of Jeremy Newman, Richard Gaunt and James Tweedale will again prove central to the success of the first eleven, while Gaunt, Ed Shellard and skipper Richard Mosdell will carry most of the bowling responsibilities.

Rising stars Mark Lester, Dan Horton, Tom McNeil and James Crook are all likely to compete for first X1 spots during the summer months after impressive displays for the second team.

Said Williams: "We're strong in both the batting and bowling departments.

"We have three class batsmen, while Ed Shellard and Richard Gaunt would bowl out most sides in the country on the right wicket.

"We are also totally committed to youth cricket. It is a major part of our strategy. Mark Lester and Dan Horton look good prospects and Tom McNeil, who is only 15, scores 20 or 30 every time he bats."

Malmesbury, former members of the Famous Grouse Western League, will be looking for promotion to the West of England Premier League this season in a league including local rivals Wootton Bassett and Devizes.

Williams believes Swindon and first opponents Frocester will provide Malmesbury with their main competition for the top two places.

He said: "Swindon have come down and will be up at the top I would think, and we always have a good game against Frocester.

"I'm amazed they haven't been promoted before.

"Devizes, who are coming up, will give us a good match and then, of course, there is the local derby with Wootton Bassett to look forward to.

"Our aim is to gain promotion to the higher league, but we would have stood a better chance if we had BK with us from the start."