mad
Member
The ECB proposals cannot simply be waved through they require the support of 12 of the county chairs. 15 of the counties are member owned so they are compelled to be steered by their members wishes
What the ECB have suggested would create a season heavily chunked up as follows;
April May RLODC + 5 Championship matches
June July 10 Blast matches + 2 Championship matches
August Hundred
September 3 Championship matches
The sidelining and bookending of championship cricket which we don't want. Most of summer with no red ball cricket to watch and fewer blast nights which smaller counties depend on.
What members want (not to mention the England test team wouldn't half benefit from) is some more Championship cricket in June July and August so something like;
April May 5 Championship matches + 4 Blast matches
June July 10 Blast matches + 4 Championship matches
August RLODC + 2 Championship matches
September 3 Championship matches
From the forum that took place 2 weeks ago it appears that Edgbaston seem to think 12 Championship games would be a compromise of sorts but it has already compromised 5 years ago from when we had 16.
Edgbaston will continue to push this in the face of strong opposition from members of Warwickshire. They seem to think that on October 26th there will be a different cohort of members show up to the forum who will be in favour of drastic cuts to championship cricket matches.
How would you even reach 12 games? For a start you'd have to have 7 counties in the top division which would necessitate 14 rounds of matches anyway so they may as well stick at 14 matches for each county and an 8 team top division.
True they can re-jig the middle order for whatever reason they dispensed with Lamb. Mouseley Bethell Benjamin Yadav etc... lots of options in there
Top order batting would either have to be a young kid from the 2nds Hamza Sheikh or Will Rhodes of the options available and neither of those options was really viable so Sibley, Davies, Yates are the go to guys for opening bat
Just checked the BBC cricket webpage and you'd be forgiven for thinking at 10.10am there were no matches on today
County cricket is being stitched up
Mind you it is bonkers the final game is starting this late into September
But if the aim of the Strauss report really is to maximise elite talent as much as possible, then that is best achieved by 18 centres of excellence, every one of them under pressure to be less reliant on the pathways provided by the private school system and more committed to discovering the most talented from all areas of society. Reference to diversity in leadership groups without considering the failure to build a diverse playing staff, by providing opportunities for all, is a glaring omission.
One of many excellent observations from this stunning article below. If anyone still hasn't watched the Warwickshire members forum from 2 weeks ago I'd say it is a must as it was similarly full of impressively astute observations.
I'm left questioning whether so far the club has actually listened to any of it or acted on any of the feedback they received. Let's find out.
And if anyone doubts the need for this to be fought just have a read of what former Derbyshire and Northants player Adrian Rollins has said on twitter as he cuts through all the crap and gets to the heart of what this is all about. And I quote;
The aim is to 'keep the game exclusive' by keeping the source of "High Performance Cricket" from private schools and reducing the effort of counties to develop routes from grassroots to full club honours by taking monies away!
It's Arrogant and poor!
Strauss is very much promoting reduction whilst fooling people that the ECB is inclusive through putting on a tournament that is purely about money, which had less attendance than last year so, as a result, punish county cricket and disregard grassroots even more!
Radio coverage from Newcastle
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0cxqffh?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile
Go to 1 hour 35 mins
Members are guaranteed the same levels of County Championship cricket in 2023 as they’ve enjoyed in 2022.
This as far as I am aware is THE one sole aspect that the members committee and the wider membership agree on.
As for 2024 and beyond it appears the members committee and the wider membership are currently on a completely different page
The wider membership is simply not supportive of any further reduction to the number of county championship matches from the already low figure of 7 home games
Nor is the membership supportive of the creation of tiny division of 6
The committee may feel six is okay but that view is not shared by the wider membership
The wider membership feels compromise was already achieved just five years ago when the number of home matches was reduced from eight to seven
There has been far too much tinkering since leading to much dissatisfaction amongst Warwickshire members and spectators in spite of
unexpected success in the county championship immediately following COVID
Any further suggestion of reductions in matches will - and has already been - met with utter dismay from Warwickshire members and county cricket supporters - many of whom donated their subscriptions to the club in liew of no cricket to watch in 2020
Warwickshire benefitted from the creation of the 2 division structure in 1999 only being relegated twice since and only spending 4 season's outside the top division (2 of those were at the very start). Our positions record added together has us either 1st or 2nd overall in that period. Under these new proposals statistically it would be highly unlikely for Warwickshire to spend much time in the top division at all. We'd instead be in one of the feeder divisions for years at a time. Even if we had 2 or 3 winning season's in a row we could fall at the final hurdle and even on the odd occasion we were lucky enough to get promoted again we'd have a reasonable expectation of being relegated straight away.
I can't fathom why Warwickshire would vote to replace a structure that has benefited them greatly with an entirely new structure that could cause them a decade or more's worth of frustration.
Not to mention two divisions benefitted England test team aswell
Committee having strong links with the membership is debatable
Farby obviously too candid with his views last time
Proposals Threaten Our Survival' - CEO Statement
22 September 2022
Leicestershire CCC CEO Sean Jarvis has questioned the proposals outlined in the ECB’s High Performance Review following its publication yesterday morning (Thursday, 22 September).
Subsequently, the Club can announce a revised date for our Members’ Forum, which will now take place on Friday, 7 October at 6pm in the Charles Palmer Suite at Uptonsteel County Ground.
In response to the publication, Jarvis said: “We see the proposals in two parts. The recommendations around elevating the performances of players makes for 'interesting reading', and is a concept that requires more discussion and understanding.
“A focus on creating the right environment for players and coaches is something we very much support, and a plan that we believe could actually go further.
“However, when scrutinising the proposals for the domestic schedule, that is where issues arise from our perspective. Simply put, the suggestions do not work for Leicestershire.
“We have to ensure we protect the interests of both the Club and our Members. When you actually calculate it, the proposed schedule results in a 28% reduction in days of cricket at Grace Road for Members. That is not acceptable.
“At a time when we are seeing membership rise (34% growth compared to 2019), and more of our community having access to cricket, such a reduction is not fair and does not help to grow the game.
“A near 30% reduction in matchdays would ultimately mean a potential revenue loss of £250,000 for the Club and threaten our survival.
“Clubs are continually asked by the ECB to reduce their financial dependency on the central body, but the proposed schedule creates a conflict of messaging.
“Moving forwards, it is essential we talk to our Members to hear their opinions and give them the opportunity to help us to form a consensus from a Leicestershire perspective.”
The Club welcomes and encourages Members to join us for the rescheduled Members’ Forum on Friday, 7 October to air their views and concerns pertaining to the Review.
Leicestershire CEO, Sean Jarvis, Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, and Chairman, Jonathan Duckworth will all be in attendance, with doors opening at 5pm ahead of a 6pm start.
Think that's 4 no's now 3 to go although we've to be careful of the bribes which will surely come along again
We must hammer Hants with maximum points and hope that Kent or Yorkshire get hammered.
It's not happening
Pivotal session was on day three last week when Somerset dug in for their second innings and didn't allow Siraj or OHD to blow them away for a second time.
Warwick Somerset Notts all flaky sides that could go either way. If Somerset have a bit more of Craig Overton around next season they might be up the other end of Div 1 especially if they add a top overseas bowler.
Of course it might suit the ECB to relegate Yorkshire with a points deduction which could yet save Warwickshire. Yorkshire you'd think would have a far better chance of an instant return or at most within two seasons would return to the top tier.
Gareth Batty has suggested the county game ought not be reduced to just providing talent for celebrity cricket formats
He should have a word with his old Worcestershire pal Darryl Mitchell then who seems to shill more and more for a certain broadcasting company rather than his members
Keaton Jennings suggested this. It makes sense to give every county the same rest week after first three CC games than all having different rest weeks
The rest week could be late April or early May. Then another rest week early September before the final 2 games.
I'd prefer 16 CC games too but baby steps
To win Div 2 we'd have to outperform Gloucestershire (not easy) one of Middlesex or Glamorgan (improving sides especially Glam) and Durham. Remember we also couldn't bowl Derbyshire out at home last season and Worcestershire will fancy their chances too
I doubt they'll relegate 5 next season. Warks have already said they'd not support ten games in 2024 so likely a 7 team top division but even to get into that will not be easy
All they need to do is reject the Strauss review. Then shorten the RLODC by a fortnight so they can move one April round and one September round into late August. This'll give players more week long breaks that some have asked for.
No major changes required none of this upheaval
Keep 10+8 as counties prefer that structure and must keep 2 up 2 down. Easier to sell memberships plus more chance of promotions if you happen to be in Div 2 fewer teams will get trapped there for years and years.
Return to 9+9 as soon as it's feasible
These are about our level. They enjoyed a good season in 2019 being promoted and beat us in the COVID 2020 season. Did okay in 2021 too.
I think getting promoted will be challenging especially if Warwickshire are barmy enough to vote through 1 up 1 down from 2024 onwards. There'll likely be no promotion at all in 2023. Bouncing straight back might not be possible
Some good grounds to visit next season including plenty of outgrounds hopefully
Essex chief executive and interim chair John Stephenson told BBC Essex that as it currently stands, the club would not vote in favour of any reduction in the Championship.
3 down 4 to go
Middlesex (Strauss's own county): "We strenuously underline our position on being opposed to any reduction in volume of 1st-class cricket played across season & most importantly the Championship... we firmly stand behind our belief this should remain at 14 games over the season"
Warwickshire could end up looking like that one complete arsehole at the end of the night
Commenting after the publication of ECB’s High Performance Review led by Sir Andrew Strauss, Kent Cricket’s Chair, Simon Philip, said: “The Strauss Review is a wide-ranging and comprehensive document. However, it should be remembered that it has been prepared through the prism of High Performance only.
“The two key areas for our Club – domestic structure and scheduling – remain within the discretion of the 18 First Class Counties. Within this group, we will now consider issues such as the needs of all our Members, supporters, players and stakeholders, the financial impact, the unintended consequences and the possibly irrevocable change to the essential nature of County Cricket.
“Kent Cricket is a fundamental part of our community, committed to supporting the growth of the Men’s and Women’s game at all levels.
“We continue to deliver success on the field, produce players for England and support one of the largest recreational and schools cricket populations in the country.
“We will not allow our Club to be rendered irrelevant.”
If Warwickshire touch this with a barge pole we will call the SGM
Not sure on this one. Yates bats in the top three it's proven very tricky for top three batters over the last 5-6 years and he's caught the eye of national selection. Not saying he's undroppable. However there's a difference between players available to bat up the top of the order for which Warwicks have few options at present (and there'll be even fewer next season once Sibley's gone) compared to batting in a more comfortable slot against the older ball at 5, 6 or 7 where there will almost certainly be more options available to the coaches and there will be a need to select players with multiple facets to his/her game - slip catching, turning his arm over for a few overs with the old ball without going for too many runs. There's obviously an issue with Lamb and I hope his move slightly south east goes through in the winter and he gets a good run at a first division county shows what he can do
Benjamin has a bit more time to crack on with Bears next two seasons and I hope he does he showed he can knuckle down with that innings up at Old Trafford last season not just whack it up in the air or get bowled playing heave-ho shots like he so often does
Yes lots to play out over the next couple of days. Does sound as though like Edgbaston this Bristol pitch will flatten and flatten as the game wears on perhaps a consequence of ecb finally getting to grips with some issues at non test ground pitches over the years. I think it might well be Henry Brookes time to really shine and collect a clutch of wickets also Briggs ought to take some confidence into his bowling.
We are where most pundits expected us to be though in the bottom 4 of this ten team league (I was more hopeful I guess of at least safe mid-table) - it is a worrying state of affairs with the club set to perhaps vote itself into semi-permanent feeder league status (you wouldn't put it past our CEO and board would you????!!!) as envisioned for any county not occupying one of the six top spots at the conclusion of season 2023. Likely go then spend at least 2/3rds of our future existence not being able to even compete for the county championship let alone win it.
Talking of winning we've apparently not won at Bristol since Allan Donald (match figures of 8-91) and fifties for Ostler, Reeve and Penney emerged from a thriller against Bill Athey and Courtney Walsh in June 1992 our sole victory there in 60-odd years (admittedly for the last 23 years we've often been in a different division or beat them at Cheltenham, Gloucester or Moreton in the Marsh). I think we could well find ourselves playing Gloucestershire quite a bit over the next few seasons in one of these 'feeder divisions'. You see we don't have the clout of Surrey or Hants and don't currently produce enough of our own top talent like a Lancashire or Yorkshire or Somerset. Best of luck selling three-year memberships off the back of that clever piece of future proofing.
Highveld wrote:
Ian Bell never had a season averaging 12!
Very true and I'm not suggesting Yates is on the same page as a generational talent like Bell. However he might have struggled had Warwicks not been placed in Div 2 where they spent a couple of seasons after the split occured at the end of 1998.