| Original Message |
tony cronshaw (no login)
Posted Jul 6, 2009 9:51 AM
I agree with you that the counties effectively federated and handed control over to the ECB, but they did so in the hope that both International and County Cricket would benefit as a result.
My contention is not only that the ECB has subsequently put the needs of Team England above those of the Counties, but that the mechanisms which it has used have been very damaging to the Counties and equally, if not more, damaging (ultimately) to international cricket.
The balance between the "Celebrity Cricketer" and the grassroots performers at County Level has been deconstructed. (We have a good example of this at YCCC currently, in the form of our overseas player).
At England level, the cosy gravy train of the selected squads, is closed to current form and miopically focussed on past performances. How often do we have to await the return of Flintof, or suffer the media's desire to rehabilitate Simon Jones, before we go on to recognise that there have been alternatives who have never been considered.
On the back of what evidence has Flintof, for example, been selected for the up-coming Test Match.
How does it serve the interests of England, Yorkshire or Rashid, if by its actions the ECB prevents him from bowling enough overs to be match-fit, but promotes his integration into Team England as a drinks waiter?
This is where, what was sold as federation, has been used to establish a pampered capital (Team England) and unduly expoilted provinces (the Counties). That the Counties seem unable to negotiate rational structures with the ECB, but are required to go along with whatever Team England dictates, is the degree to which federation has become invasion and annexation.
Some Counties (most) have just given up producing and are now simply employing mercenaries, even filling short-term vacancies with imports from overseas, as we did with Inzamam and Tahir.
Consequently, when the invaders arrive, as soon they will, we will not have the reserves in depth, to repel their attack. And Rome will fall.
The provinces will no longer be held together by the imperial glue and a Dark Age of Deira playing Bernicia will return.
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