**Official** County Cricket 2018

[Prince EWS]

Sorry if this breaks the current flow.... Just to go back to the structure of the County Championships. But what was the reason to change it from two divisions of nine to the current system. Was there anything wrong reported in the media as I can't really see what the current setup can achieve with exception to more T20 cricket... Which serves no purpose than to make money.

You've answered your own question. I'm not really sure why you ruled out your own conclusion there. That was the reason.

 

[CasMcG24]

Generally there has to be some reason but never that sure I was fishing for a 'more' conclusive answer... Or find a reason why the current structure exists. My husband remembers the eighteen team standings and I just feel I would like to understand the reasons why these have changed as it hasn't paid much bearing towards the national teams fortunes, unless I am wrong... ?

Interested to learn but rather look things up on wiki which may or may not deliver the more organic feeling I am after will just tell me 'it changed' being honest I have learn't a lot from going to the Oval and getting into conversation with some guys about cricket over the years and interested to spark up here.

 

[GoodAreasShane]

The ECB have pretty much done nothing but neglect county cricket, shove it to the margins of the season to make way for T20. That being said Sutherland and his bunch of merry men over here aren't much better/

 

[CasMcG24]

The ECB have pretty much done nothing but neglect county cricket, shove it to the margins of the season to make way for T20. That being said Sutherland and his bunch of merry men over here aren't much better/

It is such a shame it is marketed so badly if at all, everything is devoted to the T20 which does does nothing for the sport and the game... I know it is a money spinner but First class is where the meat of the sport still lies. I can invision T20 being played at Soccer grounds where everything goes into the stands.

 

[fredfertang]

The trouble with the Championship is it makes no money at all, and indeed loses money, and there's no way of changing that however much we wish there was

 

[91Jmay]

It is such a shame it is marketed so badly if at all, everything is devoted to the T20 which does does nothing for the sport and the game... I know it is a money spinner but First class is where the meat of the sport still lies. I can invision T20 being played at Soccer grounds where everything goes into the stands.

London Stadium was heavily considered for a few world cup games.

 

[CasMcG24]

The trouble with the Championship is it makes no money at all, and indeed loses money, and there's no way of changing that however much we wish there was

Yes this is a problem with a number of counties so the way forward would be the T20 comps... I hate to say. But surely they should be developing more business interests and expanding their market potential.

 

[S.Kennedy]

The trouble with the Championship is it makes no money at all, and indeed loses money, and there's no way of changing that however much we wish there was

Members bring in £10 million per year, and I hasten to bet most of them members are there because of the championship. Also don't forget outground/festival cricket which brings in heaps of people and makes a bomb.

 

[CasMcG24]

London Stadium was heavily considered for a few world cup games.

Yes, It is free next summer with no athletics meets so they could prepare a pitch not as if there's any strategy involved in T20.

 

[CasMcG24]

Members bring in £10 million per year, and I hasten to bet most of them members are there because of the championship. Also don't forget outground/festival cricket which brings in heaps of people and makes a bomb.

Not all the counties are struggling... Being a Surrey fan then most of our members return each year and there is a demand for membership... Popular club and a great place to watch cricket.

 

[Deleted member 34141]

How weird and gross
The pattern on the carpet is

 

[S.Kennedy]

Not all the counties are struggling... Being a Surrey fan then most of our members return each year and there is a demand for membership... Popular club and a great place to watch cricket.

I bet Guilford is an attractive fixture though, for Surrey supporters to attend? From my experience most county fans prefer the scenic out-grounds, Arundel, Scarborough, Cheltenham, Tonbridge Wells - or even main grounds which are smaller and more attractive like Taunton and New Road.

 

[CasMcG24]

I bet Guilford is an attractive fixture though, for Surrey supporters to attend? From my experience most county fans prefer the scenic out-grounds, Arundel, Scarborough, Cheltenham, Tonbridge Wells - or even main grounds which are smaller and more attractive like Taunton and New Road.

It is and sells out, my husband informs me when Essex went to Colchester (and his dad to Ilford) these grounds where sold out all five days (I think Colchester was four).

 

[wpdavid]

I wonder whether the out-grounds sell out because they only host one county match each season. I used to go along to watch a day or two at Whitgift, which is also a lovely venue and was always packed too.

 

[SeamUp]

County opener watch

No runs
Burns
Brook
Duckett

To come
Hameed
Davies
Gubbins

 

[TT Boy]

Wonder if Hampshire continues with Rossouw past next year? Averages 25 for them in 4-day cricket with only one hundred and is now batting as low as six. Lot of money laid down and one day returns haven’t been too hot as well. Kyle Abbott having a very quiet season as well. Been bowling 3rd and 4th change on occasions and averaging over 40 with the ball.

 

[SeamUp]

Topley too.

Abbott had a great last season. He started this one well in first game or 2 and then went badly down hill. Not sure if injury played a part.

I'm still amazed Notts are having as good a season as they are with their batting quality. 50-over comp a write-off but the recovery to make the T20 knock outs and being 3rd in div 1 is a surprise. They were linked with Billings & Clarke. How they haven't pushed harder for either of them or Duckett is a major surprise.

 

[Jack1]

County opener watch

No runs
Burns
Brook
Duckett

To come
Hameed
Davies
Gubbins

Burns could make several 0's in a row and still be clear of the rest. Surrey have crumbled, so I certainly wouldn't hold one failure against Burns. I'd pick him over Jennings 100%

 

[SeamUp]

Burns could make several 0's in a row and still be clear of the rest. Surrey have crumbled, so I certainly wouldn't hold one failure against Burns. I'd pick him over Jennings 100%

I've seen you are big fan of Burns but I'm unconvinced in opening with two grafters in test cricket myself presuming Cook is staying till the Ashes. Especially with both being LHB.

You may be forced into that selection but this is where Gubbins may be favoured.

 

[S.Kennedy]

Lees is making a bright start to his Durham career.