LONDON (Reuters)
No new laws will be introduced to combat crowd trouble at English cricket grounds, British government officials have said.

The announcement follows an inquiry by the Cricket Disorder Review Group, which was set up following a series of incidents during England's one-day series against Pakistan and Australia earlier this year.

The group concluded that existing laws were strong enough to deal with any future problems and that the introduction of legislation, similar to that in football, was unnecessary. The group did, however, make several recommendations, including warning spectators of the penalties they faced if they were to invade the field of play.

Tim Lamb, chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, welcomed the findings. "I am confident the cricket community will do its utmost to ensure that the recommendations of this report are implemented successfully," he said in a statement. "However, the full support of government and the police will be essential to this outcome."

A number of incidents marred the mid-year triangular series in England, including pitch invasions at Edgbaston and Headingley where a steward was left with broken ribs and a damaged spleen.

Australian captain Steve Waugh led his players from the field during their game against Pakistan at Trent Bridge after fireworks were thrown on to the playing area. Australian all-rounder Michael Bevan was hit in the face by a beer can as he stood on the balcony at Lord's celebrating his team's victory over Pakistan in the series final.

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