Englands back-to-back Ashes victories coupled with winning the 2010 World Twenty 20 might give the impression that all is well in English cricket. But behind the headlines is another story: that of a county game struggling to cope with unprecedented levels of debt a decline in membership & attendances & the demands on players & spectators of an unsustainable fixture schedule. As a member of the ECBs Board of Directors admitted English cricket is at something of a crossroads. In this new book Graeme Wright a former editor of Wisden Cricketers Almanack & author of Betrayal: The Struggle for Crickets Soul takes to the road to speak to those at the coalface of English county cricket. What he discovers there is not just a sport in crisis but 18 complex organisations coming to terms with the reality of an ever-changing commercial world. & yet perhaps surprisingly he finds himself buoyed by a feeling of optimism. As the counties reposition their roles not just in cricket but also within their local communities there is something new & hopeful on the horizon. As Wright explores the world behind the boundary he finds himself taking an affectionate
- though not uncritical
- look at England itself as well as the best-loved game at its heart.