Perusing King Cricket earlier we were amused by Alex's suggestion for rebranding the THIRTEEN one day internationals that England will play at home next summer.
THIRTEEN? Yes, believe it or not, England really are playing THIRTEEN ODI next summer with a completely unnecessary five match series with Australia being sandwiched by three matches against the West Indies and another five against South Africa.
The consequences of all this and the fact that the minor distraction of the London Olympics is taking place means that the Test series with South Africa will only comprise three matches, which as far as The Reverse Sweep is concerned is (in the words of Yorkshire Chairman Colin Graves) a bloody disgrace.
Instead of looking forward to a four or even better five match Test series between the two best teams in the world, we have to make do with a measly three matches. Australia are touring England in 2013 and 2015, so why on earth do we need another five match ODI series next summer?
England-South Africa Test series have a habit of being nailbitingly memorable affairs. Who can forget Marcus Trescothick's double hundred propelling England to a series levelling draw at The Oval in 2003? Or Matthew Hoggard's 12 wicket haul to give England the series in Johannesburg in 2004/05?
Then there was South Africa's triumph in England in 2008, which saw the end of Michael Vaughan's reign as England captain. Finally, there were the backs-to-the-wall performances at Centurion and Cape Town in 2009/10, which did so much to shape the character of this England side.
But do the administrators care? Do they heck. So the cricket loving public will be subjected to THIRTEEN one day internationals next summer. That's not just unlucky for some, that's unlucky for all.
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