Jonathan Clare, Vishal Tripathi and Jonothan Harvey – all prolific run scorers and wicket takers – have moved on to pastures new.

But as a season and a new dawn descends on Turf Moor, new Burnley skipper Qasim Ali is relishing the new campaign.

The 25-year-old is taking up his first captaincy, replacing Harvey who has taken over as professional at Read.

But Ali is confident that the players who remain at Belvedere Road have what it takes to be a force in 2008.

He said: "It's going to be a massive challenge, losing three players of the calibre that we have is always going to hurt you.

"But I have seen in the nets that the attitude of the players is fantastic.

"Everyone is looking forward to stepping up to the plate, and doing their bit to help fill the void.

"We have no injuries to report and everyone is raring to go – so much so that we have 18 players fit and available for this weekend.

"That is giving me a bit of a headache, but it is a nice headache to have."

Aside from Harvey, Clare's commitments with Derbyshire mean he can only play club cricket in that county, while Tripathi has joined Central Lancashire League side Milnrow.

And Ali added: "At the end of the day they are quality players, all three of them.

"They each contributed massive amounts of runs and wickets last season, and for a number of years before that.

"But at the same time, we have got a lot of bowlers with the experience of first team cricket, and this situation may just make them understand a bit more the standard they are playing at.

"The players, I feel, are more than good enough to take wickets, as well as collate the runs that we need to challenge.

"I'll admit that there is also added pressure on me, not only as the captain, but with my experience as an all-rounder.

"It will be my job to help plug the gap in terms of runs and wickets, as well as provide the support, along with Jeevantha (Kulatunga) to the younger and less experienced members of the squad.

"That is something I am relishing doing, and can't wait to get started."

Kulatunga takes over the paid ranks at Turf Moor, but his last-minute selection for a Sri Lankan Twenty/20 tournament means Harvey will act as sub-pro for Sunday's curtain raiser at Church (wickets-pitched 1-15 p.m.).

And despite the losses to his side, Ali feels the 2006 champions can cause a shock or two this time around: "I am quietly confident about this season, even though everyone seems to be writing us off.

"Just because we have lost those three players, doesn't automatically mean we are going to be scrapping at the bottom.

"There is a lot of talent in this side, a good mixture of youth and experience, and as long as we stay disciplined and stick to our own game, we shouldn't have a problem.

"Everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet at Burnley – people can write us off all they want, but we're only concentrating on the club."
l Tomorrow's proposed game between the first and second teams has been cancelled.

However, there will be a sale of cricket equipment with a difference in the clubhouse between 11 a.m. Former player James Anderson has donated a vast array of Lancashire and England cricket equipment, to help raise much-needed club funds.

A donation for each item will be requested, and it is a great opportunity to bag a genuine piece of England cricketing history.

The club is also holding a pre-season evening for all junior members and parents on April 25th.

The evening will take place in the clubhouse at 7-30 p.m., giving youngsters the chance to register for the new season.

The first junior practice session will take place on Thursday, May 1st.