Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Some three years ago David Banks, better known as 'Old Dog' to his pals, took to hand making cricket bats after many requests from cricketers for quality made-to-measure bats.

Mainly self-taught, with a little help from our Master Batmaker, Richard Wensley, Old Dog has been busy hand crafting bats for cricketers from all corners of the globe. Amongst his many satisfied clients are Mike Rindell of South Africa, Franklyn Rose of West Indies and Gus Mckay of Zimbabwe.

Of course you don't have to be a 'Test' cricketer to get a bat of your own made by David! If you've got a special requirement or simply need some advice on your next purchase, just ask 'Old Dog'! He'll be only too happy to advise.

Apart from being a batmaker, David Banks is also an ECB Advanced coach and the Director of Cricket and Captain at Smethwick Cricket Club of the Birmingham and District League. His many other talents include the preparation and maintenance of pitches as well as being able to talk a good game as a 'Gooner's fan. Strange choice of football teams to support for a Black Country lad, but we think it's only because his hair match the red shirts of the 'Arse'!

So, if it's bat advice you need or want to know how to play the perfect square cut, or maybe you want to argue if Seaman should stay or go, remember a cricketer's best friend is 'Old Dog'. Email him now at olddog@galaxycricket.co.uk