I have mixed feelings. It looks fresh and bold but also looks like two shirts cut and patched together.

True, part of my point would be to follow the Shield format.

Fantastic innings by Kevin Wickham for Barbados and got them back in the game.

Pretty even game now.

#WestIndies #CaribbeanCricket #WestIndiesCricket #JAMvBAR

England needs to stop ignoring the domestic red ball game, but for me, the Championship needs to evolve to a degree to help that happen.

I was at Edgbaston on a chilly day during the opening round game against Surrey and will be there again no matter how cold, but image how much better it would be starting a month later in May.

I am not against the County Championship, but for it to continue with relevance and to enable better equipping players for the Test team some change is needed. Play fewer Championship games and ensure that Test players play in the competition.

Reduce the Championship to 3 groups of 6 in a double round Robin and you get 10 games. Add a Championship final and 2 teams play 11 games. That essentially frees up a month of cricket and means that the season doesnt have to start a few days after the end of March.

This summer has seen the status quo in the Championship with no change, yet 2 games have been dropped form the T20 Blast. The format which brings in revenue for counties is reduced. How does that make sense?

Teams and players should always push for the win, yet the current system is not geared towards this. By making a win much more important, it should also mean captains need to think and adapt more to make sure they go for the win.

This surely would make players better equipped for Test cricket.

Simplify the points system to make a win worthwhile. 10pts for a win, 3 for a draw and change the BP system. Say just a first innings lead, or higher score after 100 overs gets 2 BP. Batting and bowling points are outdated for the current age.

As it stands a win with no bonus points gets you 16 Championship points. A draw with full bonus points gets you 16 Championship points. A draw being worth the same as a win should never be possible, yet it is.

So how does this happen?

Well in my opinion, there is to much dead red ball cricket in England played. Wins early in the season are few and far between. Reduce the championship to 10 games and make every game count.

The disconnect from the management and selection on "potential" or You Tube clips is a massive insult to the domestic red ball game.

Does the County Championship need to change?

For me, yes.

Why does it need to change?

To adapt to the modern age and provide a platform for England players.

The current 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 regime look more clueless as time passes. They got things right, or at least results right early on but, was it not building towards an Ashes victory down under? How did that turn out? This England set up feels more like a groups of lads out on a stag do rather than cricketers.

I have just read @anniechave.bsky.social article in The Cricket Paper about opening day of the County season. It got me thinking about the domestic red ball game and it's link to the Test team these days.

#CountyCricket #Cricket #CountyChampionship

So with the County Chmpionship finished for the day, time to switch YouTube channels and watch a bit of the West Indies Championship.

Interesting format this year. Barbados v Jamaica for me this evening.

#WestIndies #CaribbeanCricket #WestIndiesCricket #BARvJAM

I cant believe it has taken me so many years to finally watch this. Fantastic film which shows just how cricket is a unifier. Personally, for me, a fantastic film. 🏏

#Cricket #CricketFilm #WondrousOblivion

I have a feeling there are going to be a few draws this weekend in the #CountyChampionship.

A lotion rain forecast at each game, so unless a team scores a lot quickly and then bowls the opposition out cheaply twice, I dont see any wins at the end of Monday.

#Cricket

That is just bonkers!!!

Free entry after tea is one of the best things that cricket offers.

Especially on a day when it's like this!!! 🌞

#CountyCricket #CountyChamp #EnglandCricket #Cricket

Some lunch time reading at Edgbaston today.

#Cricket

Indeed. And I can only comment on Warwickshire, the final session of play is also free entry.

11) Derbyshire - £17
12) Essex - £18
Kent - £18
14) Gloucestershire - £19
15) Leicestershire - £20
Sussex - £20
17) Notts - £23
18) Somerset £26

1) Middlesex - £5
2) Durham - £15
Hampshire - £15
Lancashire - £15
Northants - £15
Surrey - £15
Warwickshire - £15
8) Glamorgan - £16
Worcestershire - £16
Yorkshire - £16

As the County Championship has begun for 2026, I got think about what the cost of going to watch each county costs. I have checked all 18 counties to see what their cheapest adult ticket prices are.

See thread

#CountyChamp #CountyCricket

Its almost here......the greatest red ball competition in the world.

THE 2026 COUNTY
CHAMPIONSHIP

#CountyChamp

Great player and a T20 legend. All the best for the future Ravi.

ECB unmoved by Ireland's Euro Nations Cup proposal England's "jam-packed" schedule means involvement in mooted Asia Cup-style tournament unlikely

Poor from 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 not to even try. Would it really be wrong with England A, branded as England, actually playing in this tournament. Look at the ODIs a few years ago against Pakistan. Was nowhere near englands first XI but got ODI status.

#EnglandCricket #EuroCricket

www.espncricinfo.com/story/ecb-un...

The only thing I would say is that as in the United States and their leagues HoF, players should be retired for a period. I would say at least 3 years before being eligible. Current players in a HoF doesnt seem right. Just my opinion.

#T20 #T20HoF