Why? Because it closely resembles a format that I grew up with, be it 60 or 55 overs. The old Gillette Cups and Nat West Trophies were terrific and there was much to commend both knock out and group formats.
Many of my favourite cricket memories came in such formats and regardless of the idiocy of the ECB in promoting another that no one else plays (nor is likely to) I suspect that will remain the case.
You can see a game ebb and flow and have a full day out at the cricket. There are elements of both red ball and T20 cricket and it is an enjoyable part of the cricket season. It is, in short, a good day out.
For me, it could still be better.
The biggest problem with it as it stands is the unfairness. Some counties have their squad decimated by the other competition, while others have few absentees. At the same time, some decide it offers a fair chance of silverware and play their strongest team - which can make for mismatches - while others decide that it is a development competition.
So why not make it so, with a few tweaks?
It is seen already as a means of unearthing and giving opportunity to young players, so why not make it a largely under-25 competition?
Each county can field three players of their choice over that age (who they can rotate to suit the balance of the side) plus one overseas player. But the nucleus of every side will be in young players, which ensures that counties continue to develop and offer opportunity to them.
Senior players who are not playing can do so for their allocated club side, as well as coaching and working with the county age group sides. This would enable some of them to work towards their coaching badges and a potential future career, as well as helping the next generation to progress and further help to streamline movement through age groups to senior cricket.
With players complaining about workload, counties would have an opportunity to manage this in the selection of senior players and they will still have an opportunity to work on their skills in the nets, when not required for playing duties.
I don't think that this would be to the detriment of the competition. Far from it, I think supporters would be keen to see young talent coming through their own system and perhaps be in at the start of 'the next big thing'.
As always, I look forward to your comments!
Sounds very sensible PF which is why its unlikely to get rubber stamped by the ECB! The downgrade started when they moved the final away from Lords.
ReplyDeleteWhy would a county player over 25 want to coach an under 25 so that they can then take their place in side and lose out on a new contract in a few years ? Maybe Derbyshire should just sign less washed up old players all the time !
ReplyDeleteThey wouldn't be coaching 'under-25s' It would be the age groups, as I said. Under 18s downwards, helping out and giving these youngsters additional support to the already excellent standard they already get. Plus developing their life skills
DeleteThat's far too sensible. It will never catch on !
ReplyDeleteBrilliant idea Steve or we could j ust jettison that competition for people who can't count to 120 ,,, I can't say the name!!!!! Malbar
ReplyDeleteCan't disagree with any of your suggestions there PF. For the greater good every County needs to give youngsters a chance and this competition seems to be the ideal opportunity to do that.
ReplyDeleteJust a comment though regarding players turning out for "allocated" club sides. This seems to have virtually stopped under MA. The only players that seem to feel it's important are Harry Came and Nick Potts. Unless they are playing outside the Derbyshire league which I'm not aware of, it seems they are happy to have Saturday's off when the County aren't playing?
I know one or two have had gigs elsewhere, or play for clubs, maybe take on the odd sub-pro for matches. I think Martin Andersson was linked with Chesterfield this year but to my knowledge hasn't played. Mitch Wagstaff plays too, but not many others
DeleteInterestingly Ben Slater turns out for Chesterfield virtually every time Notts don't have a game. Personally if I'd had half of the talent these lads have you wouldn't have got me off the pitch!!
DeleteYeah Ben has been a good servant to Chesterfield. They have been lucky to have such a lad, who remembers his roots
DeleteAlex Thomson plays in the Cheshire League for Macclesfield.
DeleteJack Morley turns out most Saturdays in the Liverpool league for newton le willows. Sam robson of Middlesex for teddington. Quite a few players play occasionally for club sides which is great. The too much cricket thing is a bit of myth. Loads of players know where the easy money is. They don’t mind flying all over the world playing in meaningless competitions. There’s never too many of those. It’s just unlike slater or robson they couldn’t care less about their roots or the public who go to county games
ReplyDelete