Somerset skipper Abell goes in to bat for County Championship
Somerset captain Tom Abell believes the County Championship is “the best first-class competition in the world” and would be wary of a domestic restructure building on this year’s Bob Willis Trophy.
Abell’s side finished runners-up in the tournament, edged out on first-innings runs after drawing a Lord’s final with Essex, the culmination of a truncated campaign.
Lockdown restrictions meant a traditional four-day calendar would not be possible, with the two-division structure replaced by three regional groups as a temporary measure.
The England and Wales Cricket Board is looking at tinkering with the format again in 2021, in anticipation of further disruption.
Abell, speaking after his side’s near miss, appeared cool on that idea.
“I’m a big advocate of the County Championship. I think it’s a great competition and I feel we have the best first-class competition in the world,” he said. “Certainly we should harness that. I feel the best team will always win the championship in that format.
"I guess I’m in support of promotion and relegation. I favour the County Championship.”
Essex skipper Tom Westley, who lifted the Bob Willis Trophy for what could be its only outing, was more open to alterations.
“I’m not against a threetier system. It’s proved that it’s worked well as a number, but there should be an element of meritocracy,” he said.
“What has been fitting about this year is that the best two teams have played the five-day final at Lord’s; that’s a good reflection on the two best teams in the country.”