Rayner labels the ECB’S plan for new 100-ball competition a ‘hoax’

One idea is for a nominated bowler to deliver a final, elongated over, but that has not been settled and another option by which up to three players share the final batch of deliveries has emerged.

Off-spinner Rayner, pictured, took to Twitter to offer a personal, withering take on the developments. “Ok, great hoax ..... @Ecb_cricket you got us,” he wrote. “Now seriously, 100 ball cricket with a 10-ball over bowled potentially by more than one bowler, this has gone too far now.”

He added: “I don’t think my views hold much weight amongst the cricketing community, but I certainly don’t think I’m the only one that thinks the world is going mad!” he added.

The Ecbincluded England captains Heather Knight and Eoin Morgan in their initial round of consultation, as well as Professional Cricketers’ Association chairman Daryl Mitchell, who said he was dubious at first but “openminded” after letting the idea settle. Tyneside’s James Wilson became the first English winner of the 72-hole Battle Trophy Open at Crail Golfing Society’s Craighead links at the weekend.

His brilliant third round, course record-equalling, nine-under-par 63 included an eagle and eight birdies and lacerated Euan Walker’s lead from five strokes to one.

Playing in the worst conditions of the day, Kilmarnock Barassie man Walker could birdie only two holes in his last 27 and was unable to keep the charging Wilson at bay.

Following the warm and sunny weather of the first two rounds, the third round was played in perfect golfing weather, which allowed Wilson the chance to go for every pin and make the most of his chances.

However,thewindbecame steadily stronger as Sunday wore on until it was tearing through the course at more than 20mph.

In such conditions, the closing 69 of Stonehaven’s Scottish champion, Sam Locke was impressive and also puts Wilson’s lastround 73 into some perspective.

Commenting on his win, Wilson said: “I have entered the Lytham Trophy, so felt that I needed some competitive golf as preparation and having heard about the Battle Trophy tournament , I took a chance and travelled up from Newcastle.

“I have been very impressed with the standard of the Crail course, the condition of the greens and the very high standard of golf played. There are a lot of good golfers in the northeast of England who should make the effort to come and play in this competition. They would enjoy it.”

Walker, who had led the tournament throughout the first three rounds, was sanguine in defeat, stating that he was happy with his performance and he could not have done much more in the last round, such was the effect of the weather. l Crail Golfing Society is the seventh oldest golf club in the world, having been formed in 1786. The Society is a traditional members’ club with more than 1400 members worldwide and also welcomes more than 9,000 visitor rounds each year.