The debate about the lack of talent within the Australian squad, has highlighted fears over the future of cricket in Australia, while the current editor of Wisden, Lawrence Booth, has claimed that the magic of the Ashes is being lost with the ten straight tests being played between June and January this year, as too many to give the ashes any sense of occasion.
But what of English cricket as a whole? The Telegraph recently reported that the wettest summer in a century and the London Olympic Games last year caused attendance at UK cricket matches to fall across the country, with some counties losing thousands of pounds. However, the ECB has recently invested 18 million pounds in the sport, and the Ashes Cricket tests attract huge crowds, despite Lawrence Booth’s concerns, and England captain Alistair Cook has great confidence, believing England to be set for dominance in time for the World Cup in 2015, despite recent setbacks against New Zealand.
Certainly, the future for English cricket should be positive. Ranked as number one in the world after beating India in 2011, and with new initiatives to encourage young talent such as the Natwest Cricket Force scheme, and the ‘Chance to Shine’ schools cricket campaign, in addition to the ECB windfall, then English cricket is recognised as being a sport worthy of investment.
So let’s hope Alistair Cook is right. A triumphant Ashes and a clement summer is not only good for morale, but will continue to take English cricket in the direction it deserves.
