Andrew Strauss has told the cricket authorities that they need to create a manageable schedule to allow cricketers to play both Test and T20 cricket at a time of "unbelievable change".
The former England captain, who made 100 test appearances, has urged those at the helm of England and Wales cricket to act quickly and said they "can’t afford to have our heads in the sand”. Strauss highlighted the television and commercial opportunities that T20 cricket provides while Test cricket remains popular in the UK attracting sell-out crowds this summer.
“The cricket world around us is changing unbelievably quickly," Strauss told the Evening Standard.
"Every day, every week, every month, we’re seeing a new example of how that world is changing.”
Strauss is leading a high performance review for the ECB which is currently preparing a report on the future of the game at elite level. The former director of England cricket added that the authorities need to be adaptable to allow players to follow opportunities in all forms of the game.
“One of the things that we need to be conscious of in the game in this country is we have to be nimble and adaptable," added Strauss.
"And we can’t afford to be slow-moving and have our heads in the sand. That’s really important – that we set the game up in a way that allows us to be flexible because ultimately players, if they’ve got many opportunities, will always look at those opportunities side by side and decide what’s best for them."
Ben Stokes retired from one day international cricket last month after choosing to concentrate on Test and T20 cricket. Strauss wants the authorities to make sure there is the right balance of formats available for players.
He added: “We need to continue promoting all the brilliant things cricket in this country offers players – we want to have a strong domestic game and we want to make sure the players are playing the right balance of formats so that it’s not all drifting down that white-ball, short-form route.”
