Confirmation that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has lost its grip on reality came this week as England started a test match against Pakistan on 6 May - the earliest ever played in England.
What possessed them? The season is just weeks old, placing the home side at a distinct disadvantage. It's hard to avoid the conclusion that ECB is more concerned about the scheduling demands of satellite broadcaster Sky than the interests of the game. We shouldn't be surprised: ECB's decision to remove test cricket from terrestrial television after 2005 was similarly motivated by hard cash. Viewing figures for the 2009 Ashes series will take a tumble compared with those for England's triumphant win four years ago, broadcast by Channel 4 and graced by Richie Benaud's last commentary in England.
Once upon a time, Australia had sole billing in an Ashes year, adding to the anticipation. This year, the Aussies share the stage with the West Indies and a tedious proliferation of one day internationals. Change is inevitable - once upon a time, test matches took a rest day on a Sunday - but it's a shame that the cricket authorities are such poor guardians of our summer game.
PS: ironically, the one reason not to hold a test match in early May is the weather. The fickle British climate can make a mockery of any schedule. Back in June 1975, cricket matches were abandoned because of snow - just weeks before the highest ever temperature recorded at a home test match, 34C...
Comments