A Bowler's Game?

Rob Johnston looks at the dark times that batsmen face. No second chances, no next times, there is something final about a dismissal. Anyone who plays club cricket should have a read and no doubt nod your head, as you identify with much of what Rob says. Rob can also be found with his words of wisdom in Cricket World, The Cricket Paper and the Essex Enquirer. His articles are always worth a few moments of your time. In the meantime, give him a follow @wobblybob25. Have a read on as he dissects the frustration of many a batsman...

Clarke...tough times as he is bowled by Finn

The Blast from the Future

Shhhh. Whisper this really quietly but I am starting to warm to a few ideas that the ECB are coming up with. Two months ago we wrote on these pages about Matt Dwyer and promoting the game to all ans sundry at grass roots level and now they have finally seen sense. It looks like the franchise agreement is going to get scrapped. Today's Telegraph reports that a working party will propose keeping the 18 county system in a two division line up in the shorter format, having rejected the idea that we move to a smaller, city based franchise, such as employed by The Big Bash. Even better, the ECB look like they are listening too. This can only be good news for all of us, England and the game in general.

Lord's...the corridors of power

Find us Keepers

It's been a tough few weeks for international keepers. Cameron Bancroft missed Suresh Raina off the Indian match winner's second ball, in a moment that defined the recent Australia v India one day series. Jonny Bairstow's travails have been well documented on these pages as teams all around the world try and fit the extra batsman into their side. However, it's starting to cost them dearly. As they are finding out, Gilchrists don't grow on trees.

Gilchrist...trendsetter