The Ashes 2021/22

billysboots said:

Chizz said:

Addick Addict said:

Chizz said:

It seems that most people think the problem is when and how much "first class" cricket is played in England and Wales and are not bothered about the possibility of talent and the poor standard. 

I wonder if anyone would acknowledge that there may be an argument that - as well as the months in which it's played - an improvement in the quality of first class cricket is important too.

I've already said that the England players should be playing more CC cricket. Ditch The Hundred, re-vamp The Blast and allow three overseas in the CC plus all the England players when possible and it will automatically be stronger. Three Divisions, no Play Offs etc etc, so 10 quality matches played in May/June/July/August will mean that the cream should also rise to the top. If these are timed to avoid the Test matches then those players needing to find form will have plenty of opportunity to do so. 

I don't agree with everything you've said, but it seems we're in agreement that the standard isn't high enough. 

Too many mediocre cricketers playing county cricket. One division of 8 teams with the best players players playing week in week out. 

What's wrong with my suggestion of three Divisions of six teams and 10 four day game? We've already seen the Royal London becoming a 2s competition and if we then, effectively, say to 10 Counties that there won't be any 4 day cricket for them then they might just as well shut up shop now. And how would it be decided who these teams are? Would it be franchised? More franchises or the same franchises as The Hundred?  If we only have eight Counties/Franchises where exactly is the infrastructure for producing players? The game is trying to reach out to more kids not less!

The teams in that top division will naturally attract the best players - and promotion could be limited to one up - but we don't need to destroy our history because of a Mickey Mouse competition that was introduced by individuals who have a desire purely to line their own pockets. As I say, get rid of it, re-vamp the Blast and make the CC more competitive. And just to be clear, the CC does not have to make money - it can be a loss leader if that then means red ball cricket is stronger - in any event people buy packages as Members that include entrance to all games.

Finally, the ECB are under a lot of pressure from the national side, the Counties and also grassroot cricket. So much so that they are struggling to get volunteer positions filled because people are fed up to the back teeth with the way the game is being run. 

Lunch at 2.30am

Oh Carey. That was first slips catch.

I'm afraid that despite wanting to give Hameed every chance, you cannot be a Test opener by leaving a gap that big between bat and pad and throwing your hands at the ball 

killerandflash said:

Addick Addict said:

I'm afraid that despite wanting to give Hameed every chance, you cannot be a Test opener by leaving a gap that big between bat and pad and throwing your hands at the ball 

That's a Bairstow dismissal, but without the scoring shots to go with it

I actually thought that the square drive that went for four was a bit of a "sxxx or bust" shot at the time, Almost a reaction to being dropped by taking the game to the Aussies. He then tried to hit one through mid wicket and finally attempted an expansive drive with no movement of the feet or head and not in line with the ball as a result.