Most counties are not viable businesses: they exist on central handouts, supporting them as "England reserves". As this book catalogues, grounds are now used for conferences and rock concerts. Even in the summer, many host very little cricket. Professional cricketers, paid better than at any time in the game's history, dislike playing. Some counties want the present 16-match championship reduced to 12. But as one official says, that would give only six home games a season and mean the membership, the core of a club's support, getting very little for their money.

It should not be beyond the wit of counties to make proper cricket more attractive. One obvious solution — cutting four-day matches down to three days, but ensuring higher over-rates through a stiff system of financial penalties — would make it far less boring to watch. 

Most grounds have floodlights so in the warmer months from June until August they could start at 3pm and finish at 10.30pm to pull more crowds in. The baseball-style gimmicks that strip cricket of its charm and distinctiveness should be removed to Twenty20, and stay there. Cricket is a vital part of our heritage, but unless someone has the vision to stand up for its traditional values, it will cease to have much to commend it and will die.