National club league planned
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BY DEREK HODGSON
A company whose previous joust with headlines involved the launch of the double-sided bat in 1991 yesterday pre-empted the spring meeting of the Test and County Cricket Board and that body's talk of restructuring English cricket.
Pundits have pinpointed the competitive strength of Australian grade clubs, the level below first class, as the great difference in the respective development of the two countries' young cricketers. The Classic Bat Company, of Bristol, proposes to level the playing field by launching a grade-style league backed by a five-figure sponsorship in 1996.
The Club Cricket League will be played in eight regions, the winners entering a knock-out tournament. Matches will take place, as in Australia, over two days on successive Saturdays. One club, Eastbourne, have already enquired. The managing director of Classic Bats, John Courtney, said the league was being launched in conjunction with the Sports Match Scheme, in which the Government pledges £1 for every £1 raised privately. "This could lead to further restructuring such as the funding of a cricket academy," he said. "All we need now are clubs keen to play two-day cricket and a league administration."
A fellow director, Chris Broad, once of England, added: "The benefits are obvious. Bowlers can set attacking fields. Batsmen need not give their wickets away."
Phil August, Gloucestershire's chief executive, believes that young players unused to a longer game would be helped to make the transition by the new league. "There is a certain merit in the one-day game but limited overs do mean limited cricket," he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments