The Duckworth Lewis Method - AKA Neil Hannon and Thomas Walsh ? have received a prestigious Ivor Novello nomination for their cricket concept album, which has already earned them copious praise from the likes of Stephen Fry, Chris Morris and, of course, Hot Press.

Neil, of The Divine Comedy, and Thomas of Pugwash, teamed up last year to form the flannel-wearing outfit, and dented both the Irish and UK top 30s with their eponymous record, which became the soundtrack to the England vs. Australia Ashes series.

Fellow Best Album nominees are Scottish singer Paolo Nutini for Sunny Side Up and Dizzee Rascal's Tongue N' Cheek (co-written by Nicholas Detnon).

The Ivor Novellos were set up in the 1950s to recognise songwriting excellence, and include Radiohead, John Lennon, Coldplay, Eric Clapton, David Bowie, U2 and Blur among their previous recipients. This year's gongs will be doled out on May 20 in London's Grosvenor Hotel. Here's hoping that Neil and Thomas have to make teary acceptance speeches!

For a full list of nominees click [link]http://www.theivors.com/winners.htm[/link]