30 Jul 2009

50-over matches may go from England cricket

9:51 am on 30 July 2009

The English domestic cricket game may not include 50-over matches from next year after the ECB unveiled plans for a revamped county structure involving three competitions.

The 16-match four-day Championship has been retained alongside an expanded Twenty20 tournament, but the format for the third competition has yet to be decided and could involve some radical new concepts including two-innings 40-over matches

A statement says the ECB feels there is a worldwide desire to find a way of reinvigorating and revitalising the 50 over game. One option being considered is a 40-over concept with two innings per side with no limitations on bowlers.

The new structure will also mean an end to Test matches being staged in May after a series poorly attended series, including this year's two-Test series against West Indies at Lord's and Chester-le-Street.