England Cricket 2026

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lolwray said:

I wouldn't select Bethell or Archer (when he returns) until they've played a couple of County games...yep I know call me old fashioned 

Bethell's scores in the IPL this season have been distinctly average - 14, 20, 5, 4, 27, 15 & 11. Jordan Cox has been at the IPL for the duration too but, apart from sub fielding, he has hasn't played a single game.

The difference between the two is that Bethell's first allegiance should be to England. In Cox's case it is Essex because he isn't centrally contracted. The former pays a lot more than the latter but, in neither case, does the provider of their respective main source of income have a total say in where they play. 

As in football, player power has taken over. The likes of Livingstone and Bairstow aren't shy in coming forward when it comes to moaning about being left out by England but their patriotism hasn't extended to being available to play for England all year round.

So why is it so important for a cricketer to be picked for England? Because it is doing so that elevates their standing in world cricket. How many England players have been bought at the IPL without playing for their country first? Had England not taken a punt on Bethell, he wouldn't have played in the IPL last season. 174 runs in 10 innings is hardly a ringing endorsement of being offered a contract by RCB but he is a work in progress.  

The whole system is broke and the fact that the ECB elevates their own vanity project and executive bonuses above playing meaningful cricket in August rather says it all. 

MarcusH26

Would love to see Jof come and play a couple of games for Sussex but the ECB won't let that happen. Ironically losing Robbo leaves us rather light on seamers.