Thursday 23 November 2006
Brian Lara International Cricket 2007 will be the first cricketing game to offer "extensive online play," publisher Codemasters has revealed today, with plans for Xbox Live-hosted multiplayer tournaments as well as leagues and exhibition matches when the game's released for Xbox 360, PC and PS2 next March. Head on up to the images tab to see how the game's looking.

All three formats will feature tournaments like the ICC World Cup 2007, and PC and 360 users will also be able to join games as spectators, perhaps kicking back with a glass of Pimms and basking in the digital glow as the weak spring sun falters amid a clouded sky outside a set of closed curtains. Or something like that.

Above: Brian Lara's heads-up display has undergone a welcome, and snazzy, visual overhaul

Of course, the beauty of online play will be fully-active sledging, enabling you to tar the name of your opponent's mother, brother or whichever relative you deem appropriate. Or, you could just take the easy route and issue a cutting remark about their inability to hit barn doors with bazookas. We're just throwing out suggestions here, use your own judgement - you've got plenty of time to hone your wits before the March 2007 release.