How would you improve the english county cricket?

Why would it be good if cricket was less popular, surely bringing more people in will help the game

yeah, but I would think that more people would generate more test level players, which is what county cricket aims to make

Although I am not in favour of reducing the number of teams, there is actually a clear benefit to reducing the number of players on the scene; only the good ones would survive and they would have to keep on performing to keep their contracts.

At present too many players are in a comfort zone earning a cushy £40k and above for a domestic season without really having to work all that hard for it.

I'll give you an example - Darren Stevens of Kent

Now this guy is massively talented batsman, yet has a career average of 32, which is a joke, and this is because he has been able to wallow in the knowledge that his position is under no threat. (It's also worth noting that in 8 season with Leics he average around 27 and made 3 centuries - since he joined Kent where he is under a bit more pressure he's made 7 centuries in 2 years and boosted his career average to the 32 previously mentioned).


Edited by Clobber - 08 January 2007 at 9:47am

A reduction in the number of overseas players would be a good move.  The Kolpak Case gave the Counties so much latitude and they've all recruited so many players. Kent last year looked like a South African Over 30's side!!

    Get rid of them and get English youngsters blooded !

Originally posted by 143no Exactly, some form of super comp needs to be started, Maybe 8 teams from different zones or somthing, make it really competative, it could be payed for by the ECB, really try and make it a step just below test cricket. Keep your county structure as a stepping stone, it would ensure players give their best week in week out.

I like this idea, very similar principle to the southern hemisphere's 'Super 14' competition in rugby which seems to work pretty well for all three nations. Ideally it would be an international competition but that isn't feasible in cricket I don't think, but like you say it creates another tier between county and test which will give good county players something to aim for and also make the step up to international level easier for youngsters. You look at Ian Bell for exapmle, a talented player who didn't find the step up easy but had to learn by playing test cricket, and for a time was a real weak spot in the test side