Agree with Richardson that two Test divsions must be implemented by 2019 to add more "meaning and context" to each Test match.
They could use the points system from the Intercontinental Cup. I am sure Ireland would love that.Agree with Richardson that two Test divsions must be implemented by 2019 to add more "meaning and context" to each Test match.
The article doesn't appear to say how the points system will work though. I assume 1 points for a win, and zero for a draw or loss. A bonus point for a series win also seems appropriate otherwise a 1-0 victory will be equal points wise to a 1-2 loss.
I suppose then that is whey there was a suggestion of setting aside a part of the calendar for Test Championship series and the rest for other incidental matches. Kinda like how FIFA has days for qualifiers of various tournaments and nations are free to schedule their own firendlies outside of that?It's going to be so tricky though. There's a reason different Test nations play different quantities & ratios of Tests/ODIs. Very important financial reasons that can't be ignored.
But if you have such a "points system" it's obviously going to have to be normalized if, say, England play 14 tests in a year and Sri Lanka play 7
I have a new signatureEngland are the spammers of Test cricket, so it'd make sense for their Tests to be worth half a regular Test.
Then that creates it's own problems. For example, what if England get relegated because they finish just below another team on the "Test Championship" table, even though they were actually a better Test team but some of their best wins didn't count because it was the Ashes or something?I suppose then that is whey there was a suggestion of setting aside a part of the calendar for Test Championship series and the rest for other incidental matches. Kinda like how FIFA has days for qualifiers of various tournaments and nations are free to schedule their own firendlies outside of that?
I suppose then a series like the Ashes could operate outside of the test championship?Then that creates it's own problems. For example, what if England get relegated because they finish just below another team on the "Test Championship" table, even though they were actually a better Test team but some of their best wins didn't count because it was the Ashes or something?
It's very, very difficult
This competition already exists; it's in its fourth season. it just doesn't have First Class status yet.ECB should be fine with Irish players using the CC. Until it gets to a point that they are in the same division as us, then a change should be made. However in the meantime a proper first class competition should be built in Ireland.
Two or three team Irish first class tournament with the best Irish players playing at either the start or the end of the English season. The Irish players would be heavily compelled to play it (international selection penalties otherwise) and once it is complete (play it over 3/4 weeks) then they can play in England again. This would start to create a competitive Irish first class competition that could slowly be expanded.
I wouldn't overreact too much on the back of one day-night Test.There is debate regarding Day Night cricket. Given that the pink ball requires a green pitch to remain in tact, it is plausible most of these matches won't last longer than 3 days.
I know this idea goes against Tradition, but instead of 3 x 5 Day Test matches in a series, how about 5 x 3 Day-Night Tests instead? This could make the format marketable going into the future.
Not many of the best Irish players play in it, so no the first class competition with the best Irish players playing that ahead of CC that I described doesn't exist.This competition already exists; it's in its fourth season. it just doesn't have First Class status yet.
There's two divisions in County and it works fine stats wise.Only problem I see with this is with stats.. are both divisions considered Test standard? I think it should.
Would division 1 teams never play div2 teams?
You mean now you will have to watch cricket?Only problem I see with this is with stats.. are both divisions considered Test standard? I think it should.
Would division 1 teams never play div2 teams?