Time for three divisions?
I have been persuaded that a radical shake-up of county cricket is needed.
After talking to several people involved at ECB and county level, I have decided to write down what I think should happen to the County Championship.
To accept this idea you do have to either agree that there are too many matches played at present or you are at least as fed up as I am about the number of times changes are discussed.
I don't like the idea that the Championship should be reduced to create space in the schedule, but I do concede that whilst protecting the first-class game one cannot ignore the money which the shorter formats -Â most notably T20 -Â brings in.
What is wrong with two divisions? Not a lot in my opinion and the most recent seasons have created some terrific stories.
However, those of us who like to think of the Championship as being more than just a set of trial matches need to lead the debate and not follow it.
So here goes with my solution.