This is something we’ve suggested before, and today Steve James, in the Telegraph, makes an extremely persuasive case. But is his first-class game good enough? And who would make way for him – Trott or Bell?
World’s best ringer
If you’re one short for your side this Sunday, perhaps you should try and rope in Oliver Hardaker.
The 17 year old from Bradford made a remarkable 329 in a village 40 over game at the weekend. His record-breaking innings included 27 sixes and 28 fours.
Does anyone have his phone number?
Frank Duckworth defends system
The eponymous co-creator of the D/L method today countered Paul Collingwood’s criticisms, blaming England’s defeat on the eight wides they bowled, and suggesting the ICC reconsider whether 5 overs a side should constitute a legitimate match.
A manifesto for English cricket
On the eve of the general election, The Full Toss today sets out a manifesto for English cricket followers. Regardless of tomorrow’s result – and politicians care little for sport – here are five reforms which, we argue, are urgently needed to protect and strengthen our game. But isn’t it rather a shame we don’t get to vote for the ECB? 1. England home test matches on free-to-air TV The non-negotiable, the sine qua non. The government must re-list all England home...
County championship may be extended to 21 teams
More details have emerged this week of how the ECB plan to reform the county championship. Before you try and get your head around all the options on the table, be warned – you’ll need an awful lot of patience, and a degree in ECB-ology. The headline idea is an absolute classic. Everyone agrees there’s too much cricket, and too many cricketers. The solution? *Expand* the championship to 21 sides, by promoting three minor counties. Brilliant. There are five alternative...
The ten most memorable England test wins of the 2000s
1. V West Indies, Lord’s, 2000 The turning point. From one-nil down, we went on to win the series – the first against WI for 31 years – before beating both Pakistan and Sri Lanka the following winter. An era of success, which climaxed at the Oval in 2005, began here. The match itself was a breathless classic – and remember, West Indies were still a decent side then. 21 wickets fell on the second day as Caddick’s 5-16 helped dismiss the visitors for 54 and left us chasing 188 to win. Courtney...
