England's Counties Take Step Towards Rebirth of National Side

In a significant move, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has agreed to introduce central contracts for leading players, marking a key step towards rebuilding the national side. This decision comes in the aftermath of the 2-1 series defeat by New Zealand and aims to create a settled squad of international players capable of performing consistently. The ECB's chief executive, Tim Lamb, emphasized the importance of this move, citing the game's overall health and success at the under-19 level. The introduction of central contracts will mean that senior England players will play a minimal part in their counties' Championship and one-day matches, with compensation figures for the individual counties still to be agreed.

Key Takeaways:

• The ECB has agreed to introduce central contracts for leading players, a move long resisted by the counties.
• Senior England players will play a minimal part in their counties' Championship and one-day matches, and will require permission from the ECB to participate.
• Compensation figures for the individual counties are yet to be agreed.
• An additional £1m will be added to next year's budget to cover the cost of the contracts and payment to the counties.
• Contracts are likely to be announced after the winter tour to South Africa and Zimbabwe and will run from March to September 2000, with limited 12-month deals possible.
• There are unlikely to be more than 16 contracts issued, aiming to prevent a breakdown in communications similar to the Alex Tudor saga.
• The move aims to create a settled squad of international players capable of performing well consistently, according to the ECB's chief executive, Tim Lamb.
• The team sponsors, Vodafone, have pledged their continuing support for the England side.

Statistics:

• £1m will be added to next year's budget to cover the cost of the contracts and payment to the counties.
• 16 contracts are likely to be issued, aiming to create a settled squad of international players.
• The contracts will run from March to September 2000, with limited 12-month deals possible.

Sources:

• "Recipe for change, page 17"