Nixdorf Computer (UK) Ltd has been a regular subscriber to those advertising boards that receive a four with a pleasing bonk around the boundaries of test match and other county grounds for several years, but the West German company’s welcome if unexpected interest in cricket is now taking a big step forward: the company is sponsoring Middlesex County Cricket Club to the tune of UKP500,000 over three years, and Mike and the lads will in future take the field with tasteful little Nixdorf logos on their collars and breast pockets.