THERE is increasing concern about English cricket's congested domestic fixture list.
Certainly the majority of players and coaches believe we should play less cricket and devote more time for rest, recovery from injuries and practice.
It is a powerful argument. Lancashire have already had one spell this season when we played six days consecutive cricket - a Liverpool Victoria Championship match and two Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy games - and we had to dig deep into our playing resources.
It needed careful handling and all credit to the manager and the captain for making the best use of the squad.
While it is accepted that the two division format has increased the competitiveness of domestic cricket, it means playing 16 championship matches where many reckon that 12 is enough.
The two divisions system has also brought criticism that it can block out traditional derby fixtures.
Change
It also allows fans to see only eight other counties in action during the season.
Everyone within the game is constantly thinking of how to make improvements.
One idea for next season is to have semi-finals for the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy instead of the two group winners going straight through to Lord's.
The championship set-up is in place for the next three years but if and when the time comes to change things, a possible solution is a system of three Conference tables.
It would be possible to ensure that the derby games are maintained but that the make-up of each Conference would be switched around at random from season to season, enabling fans to see different opposition.
Each side would have 12 games, freeing up an extra 16 days for players to rest and practice. We could then have play-offs to decide the Championship title.
What do you think? Have your say.
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What utter nonsense. The 2 divisional campionship is the best thing to hapen to English domestic cricket for the last 30 years. To get rid of fixture conjestion we need to get rid of one of the limited over competitions eg the Pro 40... why. Is there anywhere else in the world where they play 40 over cricket?. The 20/20 and 50 over stuff is fine. When you factor in the weather in the UK that is more of a reason NOT to be reducing first class cricket. By the way those 6 days that Jim talks about how many were Lancs active in??. The four day game was ruined by the elemwnts as was the Notts game. Get real Jim no wonder we lost the Ashes test with people like you in charge at OT.