LONDON - A 19-point plan designed to make England the world's top cricketing nation was largely approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today.
The recommendations, covering individual players, the England team and the structure of the ECB, were forwarded by an independent committee headed byformer European golf supremo Ken Schofield and including former England captain Nasser Hussain.
Schofield was chosen by the ECB to examine the health of English cricket in January following the humbling 5-0 Ashes defeat in Australia.
As far as the under-performing England team is concerned, the plan called for a reduction in the amount of international cricket to allow players more recovery time.
It also recommended a reduction in the amount of domestic first class cricket, with the 40-over format likely to go.
The review called for a new management structure within the ECB with full accountability and responsibility for the selection and performance of the England team.
Reacting to the review, ECB chairman David Morgan said: "The Board wishes to express its gratitude to all members of the Schofield Review Team and in particular to Ken Schofield for his leadership of this review.
"The review was exceptionally well received by the Board and I am delighted that the prompt endorsement of the recommendations will enable the beneficial changes outlined to be implemented in the immediate future."
While 17 of the 19 points were endorsed immediately, the ECB said it would need a period of consultation to finalise a plan for the restructuring of the management structure of the England team and the domestic game.
