‘Reform of the county game needs to happen’
Joe Root has led calls for cricket’s powerbrokers in this country to reform a clogged domestic schedule that is causing widespread concern among players fearful for their well-being.
The squeeze on the summer programme was heightened by The Hundred’s introduction in 2021 and research conducted by the cricketers’ union ahead of this season suggests it is taking a toll on the players.
Windows for proper rest and recovery are becoming increasingly sparse, with Root and many of his peers agreeing this not only affects players physically and mentally but the spectacle tooe.
Root accepted there is no silver bullet to satisfy all stakeholders but the England and Yorkshire batter insisted there is some middle ground to be had to improve player welfare and plug the gulf between county and international set-ups.
“I am extremely passionate about county cricket and it is apparent the schedule needs to change to see long-lasting benefits for English cricket,” said Root, who two years ago said players were making it into the Test team “in spite of county cricket, not because of county cricket”.
“You’re trying to find a way of getting the standard of first-class and county cricket as close as you can to the international game.
“If we can find a way of making it so that gap is smaller and the product is better, everyone is going to be winning.
“Having space to recover, prepare and improve your game during the season is crucial and the creation of minimum standards to protect travel windows and player welfare is non-negotiable.”
The PCA pointed to 81 per cent of respondents to its survey being concerned about the fixture list from a physical standpoint as one of the reasons the schedule is unfit for purpose.