New Twenty20 ‘could set English game back years’

Surrey have reluctantly given their backing to the new Twenty20 tournament, but Gareth Batty, the club captain, warned it could set English cricket back years if it were to fail.

“I actually think it is the biggest thing in cricket since Kerry Packer. The ECB have a huge responsibility to the game as a whole to get it right. If it bombs, then I think cricket will be damaged for a decade or more,” Batty warned.

“We are very tribal in this country. Is a guy who lives in Liverpool going to support Manchester cricket? Probably not. Will he support Lancashire? Yes, he will, because it has been passed down from generation to generation. Can we get around it? Yes, but good luck. We are little pockets in an island, so good luck getting that right.

“Obviously, players are excited about something new that could be massive but there is also a worry about if the PCA [Professional Cricketers’ Association] are looking after the three-quarters of players who will not get a gig in it.”

Meanwhile, Alec Stewart has described Surrey’s Ben Foakes as the best wicketkeeper in the world and ready to push for an England place. Jonny Bairstow’s position as England’s No1 keeper is assured after a brilliant 2016 but a good summer for Foakes with the bat could put pressure on Jos Buttler as first reserve for this winter’s Ashes tour.

Stewart, who kept wicket himself for England in 82 Tests, has overseen Foakes since he joined from Essex two years ago. Foakes became Surrey’s first-choice keeper last summer and averaged 53 with the bat in division one.

Foakes, 24, has the opportunity to put himself in the selectors’ plans. “I have to be careful not to be biased but I reckon he is the best wicketkeeper in the world,” said Stewart. “His batting is Test-match quality and he has got a very good cricket career ahead of him. He will have to fight his way in with Jonny doing so well and Jos the No2. But, purely on glovework, he is the best there is.”