Cricket: DOM'S A CORKER.

DOMINIC CORK has patched up his five-year rift with Geoffrey Boycott after making a triumphant return to the England scene.

Sultan of swing Cork was outraged when radio and TV pundit Boycott branded him a "show-pony" when he first became a Test all-rounder.

The pair were barely on speaking terms by the time Cork drifted out of the England scene on the Ashes tour of Australia two years ago.

But after Cork's man-of-the-match display in the Lord's thriller against the Windies seven weeks ago, Boycott joined queue of back-slappers.

The Derbyshire skipper revealed: "Of all the calls I've ever had in my career, that was the most satisfying.

"I was absolutely stunned when Geoff rang to congratulate me and to say well done.

"We've had our ups and downs over the years, but he said he really enjoyed it - and for him to say nice things about me...I thought, 'Well I must have done all right, then'."

As England wrapped up the Headingley Test inside two days Cork chipped in with 2-19 as the Windies were skittled for 172 on the opening day. And he ended Darren Gough's monopoly of wickets by removing Jimmy Adams after tea yesterday.