Brown to Wrest Control of 2012

There is renewed speculation in Westminster and London Olympic circles that the Department of Culture Media and Sport will lose responsibility for delivering the 2012 games as a consequence of Gordon Brown's impending Premiership.

Brown's succession is likely to see reshuffling of ministerial posts and restructuring of departments, and sources close to both the department and the Olympic project are discussing the prospect of London 2012 leaving DCMS. Tessa Jowell and Richard Caborn are likely to be replaced in Brown's first reshuffle and the Cabinet Office or the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister are touted as potentially taking control of the project. The former would give Brown close control over the project while the deputy prime minister's office has a track-record in regeneration.

Similar speculation followed London winning the games only for the project to remain in DCMS, and with Brown's plans a mystery to all but his closest circle the uncertainty is unlikely to be lifted until he takes control.

Officials in Cockspur Street continue to plan for the games. Jonathan Stephens, the former Treasury civil servant installed as permanent secretary to oversee the Olympic project, is in the process of hiring a director-general and finance director for the Government Olympic Executive, both of whom will be drawn from outside the civil service. Appointments are expected next month.

Brearley brings a common touch to MCC presidency

Mike Brearley was a singular England captain and it seems he will bring an unassuming touch to the presidency of the MCC, a post he takes up in the autumn. Following Wednesday night's anniversary dinner Brearley was spotted waiting for a bus home outside Lord's while many of the other the top-table guests departed by limo.

TMS oracle gets it wrong

Test Match Special scorer Bill Frindall has built a reputation as the game's oracle on statistical matters but the Bearded Wonder has let a considerable gaffe creep into the 2007 Playfair Annual, of which he is editor. On its back cover the book promises comprehensive coverage of the domestic season "including the London Victoria County Championship". As the sponsors will be keen to point out, it's Liverpool Victoria.

PCA union help a sure bet

Gambling is a major issue for professional sportsmen, and cricket seems to have more than its fair share of problem cases. According to the Professional Cricketers' Association chief executive, Richard Bevan, around 10% of his 400 members could have problems and the union has acted to help out several players with serious issues in the last year. One, a former England cricketer, received assistance from the union after running up debts in excess of £100,000.