ECB high-performance review proposes less domestic cricket

A review into the men's game in England and Wales has proposed a reduction in the number of days of cricket.

The goal of the review is to produce sustained success for the England team.

The 18 first class counties would have to agree on any changes to the domestic structure.

There is no plan to cut the number of first class counties.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) "high-performance review" is not limited to the domestic structure and also contains proposals around multi-year central contracts for England players, how those players can prepare for overseas conditions and the development of young players.

Women's cricket isn't covered in the review.

Recommendations will be delivered in late September.

The proposal from the first-class counties is to keep the County Championship at 14 matches.

"Cricket is at a critical point with a fast-changing landscape and we must be prepared to be open minded and engage in considered debate if we are to move forward together and future-proof our game in the current climate," said former England captain Strauss.

A final report from the men's high- performance review will provide the game with a clear and well-researched pathway to England men's success and a healthy, vibrant, domestic game.

According to consultation material produced as part of the review, the performances of England's pace bowlers drops off away from home, spinners have limited opportunities in domestic games, and English players are less dominant in home internationals.

English domestic teams play more often than teams in other countries and players have less time to rest.

The review doesn't suggest how a smaller top division of the Championship could be achieved.

The domestic 50-over competition may be moved to April from August in order to alter the domestic structure.

First-class cricket could possibly be played at the same time as The Hundred. Only a small percentage of the best red-ball players participate in The Hundred.

Proposals to aid England's performances away from home include trialing a different ball in this country.

Cricket in England is usually played with a ball manufactured by Dukes.

There is a proposal for North v South first-class matches to be played overseas at the start of the English season, similar to 50-over series between the same sides that were played in the build-up to England's victory at the World Cup.