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phantom

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COUNTIES AGREE TO MEN'S DOMESTIC STRUCTURE CHANGES FROM 2020

The 18 First-Class Counties have agreed to a number of proposals which will bring around changes to the men’s domestic structure from 2020 onwards.

These proposals followed the appointment in the summer of the Men’s Domestic Playing Programme group (MDDP), chaired by Leicestershire chief executive Wasim Khan and drawn from different sections of the men’s county game and ECB.

The group was asked to consider four areas: i) the structure of the Specsavers County Championship, ii) the number of fixtures in the Vitality Blast, iii) the form of county cricket that should be played during the New Competition and, iv) a possible involvement of the Minor Counties.

It met four times and held a series of consultations across the country to further canvas opinion across the county game. This led to the following four proposals, in turn supported by ECB’s Cricket Committee and now agreed to by the 18 First-Class Counties.

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP: Each team will continue to play 14 matches. To achieve this, three teams will be promoted from Division Two in 2019 with one relegated from Division One. From 2020, promotion and relegation will revert to two-up, two-down. While not significantly affecting the ‘best v best’ principle in the top division, this change will provide an appropriate increase in security to Division One teams with a smaller percentage being relegated each season, and a correspondingly increased opportunity for Division Two teams as they will have a greater percentage chance of promotion. Due to the asymmetrical nature of 14 matches in a 10-team division a seeding system is being explored to optimise fairness, firstly in Division Two in 2019 followed by Division One from 2020 onwards.

50-OVER COMPETITION: From 2020, the county 50-over competition will be played during the New Competition, in July and August. The counties will be split into two groups of nine – not necessarily along existing North and South lines – and will play each of the other eight counties in their group [four at home and four away] before the top three qualify for the knockout stages. Overseas players will not be permitted to take part in the county 50-over competition.

T20 BLAST: The Vitality Blast will retain its current format, with the counties split into North and South Groups of nine teams each, and each team playing 14 fixtures – seven at home, and seven away. The top four will qualify for quarter finals, with the four winners qualifying for Finals Day at Edgbaston.

MINOR COUNTIES: From 2020, a new round of 50-over fixtures will be played before the domestic One-Day competition in mid-July, with each First-Class County visiting a Minor County.

Wasim Khan, the Leicestershire chief executive who chaired the Men’s Domestic Playing Programme Working Group, said: “It was critical throughout the process to consider a programme that was underpinned by three key principles: supporting sustained success for England teams, maintaining a vibrant domestic game and recognising the importance of red ball cricket.

“There were a number of areas up for discussion which showed the importance of extensively consulting with all 18 First-Class-Counties in a thorough and impartial process. We are very pleased that that there was unanimous support for a structure that will hopefully improve our domestic game and in turn the England teams.”

Gordon Hollins, ECB Chief Operating Officer, said: “It was important that the process took in the views of all the stakeholders in the domestic game, especially the counties. After receiving unanimous agreement we will move forward with plans that will help ensure that our domestic game remains as vibrant as possible while producing players to help our England teams remain successful.”

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We recently invited Somerset Members and supporters to send us their questions for CEO Andrew Cornish.

We were inundated with requests and received nearly 100 questions.

Here are some of Andrew’s answers.

We received a number of questions regarding ground development and what will be happening in the Priory Bridge Road side of the Ground. Andrew outlined what the latest plans are:

“For the ICC Cricket World Cup next year, we have taken the decision to bring in temporary stands. However, there is a plan to build a new stand on the Priory Bridge Road side of the ground which will be ready for the start of the 2020 season. This stand will consist of over 600 seats and will house a concession unit at the rear.

“It was felt that, with the floodlights going up this winter, it would be a case of too much work being carried out at the same time, plus we would need to pile rather than just lay the stand on a concrete plinth. The complexity of that requirement led us to the decision that it would suit our needs and our risk management better to do the stand this time next year.”

Supporters were also keen to know the latest regarding player recruitment.

“We are very clear that we require an experienced top-order batsman,” said Andrew. “That is what the Director of Cricket is looking to recruit. Continuity is extremely important and therefore we need to be looking at someone who would be available for the whole season or the vast majority of it. We were very lucky last year in the Championship with Matt Renshaw and Azhar Ali. Although they were very different characters, they both brought a lot to the party both on and off the pitch. However, the International schedules are so tight these days that recruitment can be difficult.

“A number of discussions are ongoing and as soon as we have any news, we will let Members and supporters know. Obviously, we’ve already signed Jack Brooks and he will be a great addition. He’s a proven wicket taker and is a Championship winner. We will also continue to invest in our pathway. Our mission is to win silverware but the way we go about doing that is important. We want to continue to bring local talent through and we currently have some real talent in the Academy, the Potential Somerset Player Programme and the Emerging Player Programme.”

A concern was raised about spectators leaving the ground on foot alongside vehicles.

“We presently give pedestrians 15 minutes priority when it comes to exiting the ground, with vehicles having to wait until that initial period has passed before being allowed to begin their exit. We will continue to steward and monitor this closely to ensure that all of our spectators are safe.”

We received a good deal of questions regarding parking at the Cooper Associates County Ground about which Andrew said:

“Parking spaces are allocated for each game. Box holders and hospitality guests are allocated a certain number of spaces per match and a number of spaces are pre-bookable for Long Room and 1875 Club Members. We also allocate a number of disabled spaces via a ballot system which has proved to be a fair and successful way of allocating parking for Blue Badge holders. We have a small number of spaces available for the press as well as players and staff. Once those are all taken up you can see that parking on site is not something that we can accommodate.

“Unfortunately, people sometimes don’t turn up and that results in empty spaces and that is as frustrating for us as it is for our supporters. Moving forward we will certainly be looking to police that because it really is frustrating for all concerned. In terms of parking in Taunton itself, there are a number of carparks near the Ground which are free on Sundays. When it comes to Park and Ride facilities, that is a question for the County Council rather than for the Cricket Club.”

Andrew received several questions about the Club’s ticket policy with regards to rained-off matches.

“Tickets are sold on a non-refundable basis,” he said. “However, if a Specsavers County Championship match is adversely affected by the weather and no play is possible, ticket holders are entitled to a refund or they can exchange their ticket for another one of equal value once play has been officially abandoned by the umpires.

“For Royal London One-Day Cup fixtures ticket holders are entitled to a refund if less than 10 overs are played. Ticket exchanges for another Royal London One-Day Cup fixture or a day of Specsavers County Championship cricket are available if less than 20 overs are played, subject to availability.

“With regards to the Vitality Blast, refunds or ticket exchanges will be available if less than 10 overs are played. The majority of questions we received during the season regarding this subject related to our home quarter-final against Notts Outlaws. Obviously the original matchday was quite rightly abandoned and therefore the reserve day was required. We were not in a position to issue refunds because the match took place, albeit on the reserve day. Knockout stage matches always have a reserve day and that is not something new to cricket. With any major match it is always the protocol that the reserve day will be utilised should it be required. This was made clear and was stated in our match preview.”

A number of people suggested that a party stand should be introduced for Vitality Blast fixtures.

Andrew said: “We really want people to have a good time at these matches and we are happy for that to continue. All we ask is that people don’t have a negative impact on other spectators’ enjoyment of the game. We want people to have a good time and if it looks like a group of spectators is having a lot of fun then myself and the Chairman may very well join them!”

Several questions surrounded the successful live streaming on our website and the potential for additional cameras.

“With regard to additional cameras, we are restricted by the ECB as to what we can show,” said Andrew. “We will continue to push to broaden what we are able to offer but at present we are restricted by broadcast rights.”

Rather unsurprisingly the Hundred also generated a good deal of questions.

“I believe that the Hundred has its challenges, which have been well documented,” Andrew said. “I’m pleased that it’s very different from T20 cricket, so our very successful Vitality Blast product will continue to go from strength to strength. Whilst we wish the Hundred every success, because it will be good for cricket if it succeeds, I don’t think that it will impact on us too much here.”

We had a lot of questions about whether there could be a Membership for those who live away from the region and are unable to attend many matches.

“This is something that we already offer,” explained Andrew. “It’s very humbling to know that there are so many people who want to be associated with Membership of this great Club despite not being able to actively attend every week. With this in mind we offer an Associate Membership for £60 which gives supporters three guest passes for days of Specsavers County Championship cricket and two Royal London One-Day Cup passes.”

What has been the highlight of your time with us so far?

“That would have to be the entertaining cricket that we’ve played. We’ve played some absolutely spectacular cricket this year. There’s a real determination to win and we have a really exciting group of players here. That has been at the centre of all the good things that have happened this season. It’s been better than I thought it would be, but having said that I think it’s important not to have too many pre-conceived ideas before you take on something. It’s important to approach things with an open mind. I’ve had a lot of support and advice from my colleagues and our Members and I’m loving every minute of it.”

What time do you envisage starting T20 blast matches now floodlights are being installed?

“I imagine that we would be looking to start matches at approximately 7pm but that will be confirmed by the ECB in due course. The floodlights are a really big thing for us and for Taunton. They will transform the skyline of the town more than anything has since the churches were built. They will also help to create a tremendous atmosphere. Our Members and supporters create an amazing atmosphere as it is, but the lights will just enhance that experience.”

Bacon sandwich – red sauce, brown sauce or no sauce at all?

“Red sauce.”

Are you open to changing your name from Cornish to Somersetish?

“Great suggestion, but I don’t think so!”

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Lrrr

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County championship cricket in the first week of April and all home 50 over games done before second week of May that's sure to help the turn out ? 

 

See all the lads played in a winning lions team today, bowling wise Bess 0-55 off 10, Joverton 2-44 off 7 and Gregory opened the bowling 1-52 off 9. Lewis was also 32* off 22

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cidercity1987

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Am I reading that right, no limited overs fixtures during the height of summer between early May and the end of July? ?

The OCD in me still has a major problem with the County Championship and T20 in that its totally unequal to not play all teams the same number of times. Is it really that much bother to play 16 T20 fixtures instead of 14?

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4 hours ago, Super said:

Sussex bowler Jofra Archer will be available for England selection from January 1 under new ECB eligibility rules and could feature at the World Cup.

The sceptic in me reckons they've changed it for him, surely they wouldn't do that :rolleyes:

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Globe Trotter

Globe Trotter

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45 minutes ago, Super said:

Really enjoying the BBL. Shame i have to go back to work tomorrow!

Fab tournament isn’t it, have enjoyed watching it in the mornings. Great to see a decent English representation over there, think Root should open the batting with Buttler for the Thunder though, let Watson come in and smash it about later on and allow Root to play more naturally. 

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49 minutes ago, TomF said:

I'd say Jos is up there with the best batsmen in the world. In a way it softens the pain of him being at the 11-3erse, as he wouldn't be playing here much either.. 

Still feel we made the right choice, Jos was always going to be an England regular in limited overs, Kieswetter was more likely to be regularly available and occasionally potentially called up it was just a tragic shame was happened to him.

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Mr Popodopolous

Mr Popodopolous

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India won a series in Australia for the first time this week. Well rain and bad light saw off a lot of the last 2 days but 2-1, quite impressive- if a full 5 or even 4 and a half days play it may well have been 3-1. Especially considering better India sides than that have failed to win over there.

Australia definitely not the force they were too- an opportunity for us to push to the top of the rankings in 2019 maybe- though India are now deservedly top after this, we are 2nd. Australia down in 5th which augurs well for the Ashes this summer too! That said Smith and Warner will be eligible by then, Bancroft will have got some game time but we always win the Ashes at home anyway. Can we ponder a 5-0 I wonder...?

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Mr Popodopolous

Mr Popodopolous

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Think a lot of sides are stronger at home these days too, or perhaps more accurately weaker away- away series wins seem to be becoming less, this was a notable one however and we should win in West Indies in the upcoming tour which is more of an expected one. That said we got a major win in SL 3-0! First in ages over there.

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phantom

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Lord's is set for a £50m redevelopment after owners Marylebone Cricket Club were granted planning permission to replace two stands.

The Compton and Edrich stands at the Nursery End of the London ground will be replaced by new three-tier stands.

It will increase the capacity by 2,500 seats to 31,000.

Construction will start on 24 August, a week after England's second Ashes Test against Australia, with the seats ready to be used from 2020.

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) members will be asked to approve the plans at the club's annual general meeting in May, at the start of a busy summer in which Lord's will also host the men's World Cup final and an England Test against Ireland.

"We are excited to be commencing another transformational development at Lord's," said MCC chief executive Guy Lavender.

"The redevelopment will be an outstanding addition delivering world-class facilities, ensuring that Lord's remains the finest ground in the world to watch and play cricket."

The new stands will accommodate 11,500 spectators in total and will include better sightlines, catering and toilet facilities and wheelchair-accessible spaces as well as lift access at all levels.

All the facilities are due to be finished by summer 2021.

A view of the Compton and Edrich Stands at Lord's cricket ground during a Test between England and South Africa

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10 minutes ago, hodge said:

£50m for 2500 extra seats, have to wonder if that money could have been better used.

I thought that, but there are no decent facilities at that end of the ground so fully expect top end restaurants, bars etc to be going in there

Would assume these areas can then be used 365 days a year

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