What should be done to uplift English cricket?

Question

Is the depressing state of English cricket merely a result of failings at the top end of the game or a reflection of more deep-seated problems?

Answer 1

Why stop with cricket ? England claim to have the toughest football league in the world and couldn't qualify for Euro 2008. Englands hang-up with having the best playing in England in cricket, rugby-league, union and football is to the detriment of home players who find opportunities to play at the top limited.

Answer 2

Probably both of them...

Answer 3

Bring back Ian Botham. !!

Answer 4

end test cricket and focus more on 20/20

Answer 5

I can only go by Australia and why there has been so much success.

Firstly a cricket academy where young players undergo intensive focused training tailored individually for each player.

Second there is really a three tiered system (well 4 actually but the 4th one is the local sides that play more hit and giggle cricket on synthetic covered concrete wickets) where selectors can choose from.

- level 1 - District Cricket - this is where the best of the young players get to have a real look at a decent level of cricket. This is where the state squads are chosen from.

- level 2 - State Cricket - I believe it to be true that the (reinstated) Sheffield Shield (this year goes back to being called Sheffield Shield after 7 years as Pura Cup) to be the best 1st Class comp in the world. Being as there is only 6 sides, competition for young players to get into these State squads is fierce. With each state having many district sides to choose from, you have to be very committed.

- level 3 - International - To be chosen for this elite squad requires more than just talent. As you have already been through two other very high levels of cricket, you must be devoted.

Therefore perhaps a level above County Cricket as another tier before National selection and the introduction of full working cricket academy or if one already exists improving on the methods.

I think some of the problem also extends from a willingness for the administrators not to admit that there needs to be a fundamental change, a total shift in paradigm. I thought this change had started a couple of years ago with Flintoff and Pietersen and Co but there seems to be some bad habits creeping back.

There are probably many 100's of different reasons that, compunded over time, contribute to overall poor performances. Belief would be the main one - from the top down.

Answer 6

Just as cricket seems to have buried all other sports in India, so to has soccer  in England.More effort needs to be put into bringing it along in the schools where youngsters develope an interest in the various sports.Too much emphasis is placed on soccer & it's rewards is my guess.

Answer 7

Aside from the answer above I think that foreign players should not be allowed. I know the number is already restricted already but consider that they are taking 1st class team positions that could go to locals.  For instance EPL apparently only has 38% local players. What is that doing for the national side? Cricket is in the same boat.  

Reduce the number of top level clubs.  Australian state level comp is only six teams and they play each other twice. The competition is extremely intense.  The Australian players are picked from that pool.

Answer 8

England is going through talent deficit. It is good to make their locals mingle with the best of the world players to improve the level of the game and make them more competitive. They can have fewer clubs but in each club can have about 60% foreign and 40% local players. From the pool, they should be able to identify potential players easily. The people are also slowly going away from cricket as it takes more time than soccer and tennis.

Answer 9

IN this match the batsman didn't perform as well as they can, too many lame shots and no effort - too tired?  Lack of concentration?   Who knows.  The bowling attack needs to be enlivened.  Simon Jones and Steve Harmison need to return!  Broad needs to go back to Notts for intensive training.  He's got v good potential as a bowler and batsman, but isn't there yet!