LANCASHIRE announced today that their left-arm spinner Gary Keedy had been awarded a Benefit in 2009 after 14 seasons at Old Trafford. This is a more deserving cause than his team colleague Andrew Flintoff, one would think.

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Keedy, 33, arrived from Yorkshire in 1995 and was awarded his county cap in 2000. Up to this week he has taken 499 wickets. A Lancashire statement said: "In an era when England have not exactly been blessed with spin bowling options, Gary can consider himself unlucky not to have had an opportunity in the Test team. In fact All Out Cricket Magazine carried out a survey 2006 in which Gary Keedy was voted as the best county player never to have played for England – but there is still time for this talented cricketer."

The anomaly of £1 million a year players such as Flintoff being awarded benefit years has never been tackled by the counties. They are like small businesses. Even announcements that charities will partly benefit from the proceeds do not deflect the main criticism. It is believed Flintoff's benefit year raised about £3 million in 2006.

CHARLIE SAYS: Benefits were designed for players such as Gary, so that he can expect a measure of financial security after he leaves the circuit. That is distinct from high-profile international cricketers, who should not be awarded them. Flintoff, certainly a fine fellow, enjoyed a benefit year when he did not really need one.