导出博客文章Lords has hosted many memorable encounters over the years, but Wednesdays
meeting between the counties and the ECB executive promises to rival the best of
them for ferocity and, in its way, significance.The chairmen and chief
executives of all 18 counties and the MCC are meeting to discuss their options
for the future shape of the domestic T20 competition in England and Wales. It is
no exaggeration to state that the conclusions reached could amount to the most
significant changes to the face of England cricket since the introduction of
limited-overs cricket in 1963 or the birth of professional T20 cricket in
2003.On one side you have those who insist a new T20 tournament featuring eight
city-based teams is essential if cricket is to recapture the interest of the
general public. On the other, you have those who warn that such a move will
marginalise several first-class counties and further decrease the visibility of
the game in the market towns and small cities where it is still relevant.The
issue of free-to-air broadcasting and the value of potential broadcast deals
will also be relevant. Some counties are incredulous at the difference in value
placed on the options by the ECBs independent broadcast analysts. Some insist
that free-to-air is essential if the game is to return to relevance in the
public consciousness.It seems unlikely the consensus the ECB executive seeks
will be reached today. They were hoping to agree one of the five options they
set before the counties a few weeks ago with a view taking it to the ECB board
for approval in October. But, with counties still asking for more information
about the details and several insistent that their members have to be consulted,
not enough seem ready to commit.Indeed, as they consider the implications of a
city-based tournament - and as their members learn of those implications - it
seems support for a two division tournament featuring all 18 teams has grown
once more. This was the original recommendation of the ECB working party charged
with looking into options a year or two ago, but it was subsequently shelved
after concerns that it might limit the opportunity for lucrative local
derbies.But a suggestion made by Glamorgan could offer a solution. ESPNcricinfo
understands that they have put forward a plan whereby the T20 season would start
with a weekend of local derbies - double-headers if necessary - that do not have
any connection with the competition. While it is not a perfect solution - the
issue of who would host such games is one problem - it may be enough to convince
the waverers.One of the primary concerns is the implication to all other cricket
by trying to create a July window for the new T20 tournament. The counties are
worried that either the Championship will be diluted by the absence of around
100 of the best players, or that it will not be played at all for a
month.ESPNcricinfo understands a suggestion has been made about cutting the
Championship season to as few as 10 games - featuring three divisions of six
teams - to make space for the new T20 competition while even Mike Fordham, the
man hired by the ECB to launch the new competition (he fulfilled a similar role
with the IPL and the CPL) has warned against comparisons with the BBL. Research
has shown a tournament based in eight Test-hosting cities in England and Wales
would cover only 25% of the population compared to 65% in Australia cover by the
six BBL-hosting cities.While NatWest Blast attendances have risen by more than
60% since the introduction of a predictable schedule (generally on Friday
nights) three years ago, it is ironic that many of the potential hosts of the
eight-team tournament have seen ticket sales stall in recent times.Hampshires
have grown by just 1% in that time (and dropped in 2016) while Lancashires have
grown by 3% and again shrunk in 2016. Yorkshires and Durhams attendance figures
also fell in 2016. It may well grate on those counties where attendances have
increased sharply - Northants, Gloucestershire, Essex and Worcestershire, for
example - to forgo their place in the premier T20 competition to those who have
failed to seize the formats potential as well.If the ECB executive force a vote
- and it seems unlikely they will take such a chance - it is far from certain
they will win. And if they lose, it may well be that the resignation of the ECB
chief executive and, perhaps, its chairman are requested.
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for his illegal check to New Jersey forward Dainius Zubrus head. Coach John
Aloisi reckons Brisbanes comfort in the heat could be Newcastles undoing as the
Roar attempt to turn around their poor A-League record on the road.The mercury
is expected to climb to 28 degrees at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on
Sunday, a spring temperature the Jets will not have acclimatised to quite as
well as their interstate opponents.Were happy about that, Aloisi said.It hasnt
been that hot there but its been warm here so were prepared for that weather.Its
an advantage for us, because were a fit team.You saw last week, even with 10
men, how we ran out that game and scored in virtually the last kick.A 10-man
Roar pulled off an at-the-death 1-1 opening-round draw with Melbourne Victory
thanks to defender Luke DeVeres equaliser.They did so at their Suncorp Stadium
fortress, where they achieved a league-best home record of 35 points from 14
matches last season.The challenge now is emulating that on the road, after a
poor 13 points from as many away games that may have cost them the 2015-16
Premiers Plate.We analysed all of last season and we know we have to pick up
more points away from home, Aloisi said.Aloisi knows Mark Jones unfancied Jets
will be no pushovers after ttheir own plucky 1-1 stalemate with defending
champions Adelaide last weekend.ddddddddddddHowever their chances of backing up
have not been helped by long-term injuries to key defender Daniel Mullen (knee)
and first-choice goalkeeper Ben Kennedy (Achilles).Jason Hoffman (calf) and
Finnish striker Aleksandr Kokko (Achilles) are also sidelined.At the very least,
Danish star Morten Nordstrand returns to bolster Newcastles already-revived
attack featuring Andrew Hoole, Andrew Nabbout and English playmaker Wayne
Brown.Roars attacking prowess continues to flourish via Jamie Maclarens
combination with marquee man Brett Holman.But Aloisi declined to say whether
Tommy Oar would start on the wing following his sharp display off the bench
against Victory.He has confirmed Jacob Pepper will fill the midfield shoes of
suspended captain Matt McKay.STATS THAT MATTER:* Newcastle are winless in six
attempts against Brisbane* The Jets have failed to keep a clean sheet in 16 of
their last 17 games* Jamie Maclaren scored in two of his three appearances
against Newcastle last season ' ' '
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