Floodlit County Cricket.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Rather than start matches at 10.30 in September, why not revert to a later start. say 12 or 1 o'clock and continue later under floodlights, so removing the advantage to the bowling side so early in the morning and avoiding the current nonsense of the bad light regulations that affect so many days. Play with a white or a pink ball or even colored clothing, but it works for one day cricket and people come and watch in their numbers. It may not suit some spectators, but would attract a younger audience able to watch cricket later in the day and without worrying about bad light. We'd see more cricket and fairer conditions and if we're forced to watch in September or even October then be prepared to adapt playing conditions to encourage spectators rather than see the dismal few hundred turning up each day at present.

[Sillypoint]

Switch to pink ball too

[Paul W]

It was tried a few years ago, and everyone agreed it was a failure.

Can't see why it would be any different a few years later.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

It was tried a few years ago, and everyone agreed it was a failure.

Can't see why it would be any different a few years later.As I recall it was tried in June and no floodlights were involved. What I'm suggesting is that we could try it to avoid playing early in the morning when conditions are most advantageous to the bowling side, and playing under the lights later in the day so as not to lose time to bad light which is shortening games at present and preventing results. Not comparable situations, but as always I knew I could rely on you to be on my case PW.

[James Mitchell]

I think that this might be worth trying! It would at least give people the opportunity to come to watch some cricket after work.

[adelaide]

As I recall it was tried in June and no floodlights were involved. What I'm suggesting is that we could try it to avoid playing early in the morning when conditions are most advantageous to the bowling side, and playing under the lights later in the day so as not to lose time to bad light which is shortening games at present and preventing results. Not comparable situations, but as always I knew I could rely on you to be on my case PW.

Floodlights most certainly were involved.

For example https://www.middlesexccc.com/fixtures/results/2018/06/25/kent-v-middlesex?id=174

In that match conditions suited the bowlers best when the floodlights were on.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Thanks for correcting me Adelaide, the old memory is failing again.We certainly got the worst of it on that occasion which would explain our complaints, Just thought it might be worth a try considering the frustrating hold-ups we're seeing at present,

[John Assirati]

Some of us have concerts, operas, and the theatre to attend ! All worthy of support as it helps the economy. I prefer cricket played in daylight.

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Some of us have concerts, operas, and the theatre to attend ! All worthy of support as it helps the economy. I prefer cricket played in daylight.

That's half the problem John, daylight often disappears very early at this time of the year. Do you not attend the ballet on a regular basis also?I was of course selfishly thinking of us mere Philistines.

[John Assirati]

That's half the problem John, daylight often disappears very early at this time of the year. Do you not attend the ballet on a regular basis also?I was of course selfishly thinking of us mere Philistines.

But how many more would turn up for part of a day of a four day match ?
(Pygmalion at the Old Vic tonight).

[MIDDLE EXILE]

Well, they'd turn up at lunchtime and stay there for the rest of the day, and as I speak hordes are heading for Trent Bridge as Notts are now six down. What time's the kick-off at Old Vics?

[John (Fingers) Fingleton]

I have always understood that the justification given for not playing under floodlights is because of the shadows they cast ... whatever colour the ball. But search me - it doesn't seem to be a problem for Slogathon or Centuricrap ... then, of course, (perish the thought), that is where the real money is!

[James Cohen]

I have always understood that the justification given for not playing under floodlights is because of the shadows they cast ... whatever colour the ball. But search me - it doesn't seem to be a problem for Slogathon or Centuricrap ... then, of course, (perish the thought), that is where the real money is!

Can’t believe this is really the case, after all there are D/N test matches elsewhere.

I was at the first NZ vs England test this year at the Bay Oval. It worked well, and it was great to see so many children arrive after school (an adult ticket as less than £20/day). The only downside was hyperthermia after dark!

[Sillypoint]

I think the shadow effect only applies to red ball as the shadow of the ball is similar to the object so it causes a hesitation in batsmen picking up length. That's why they use player shadow as measure of when the ball might be influenced?

Pink seems to work as can be distinguished...

[MIDDLE EXILE]

I've never heard of shadows being a problem, The ECB has financed and ensured they are permanent fixtures at all County's main grounds and white ball cricket has been played under them at night for years. I see no reason why they should not be used for county cricket too. especially in September when as we have seen this week, bad light stops play and spoils matches. County Cricket has already been pushed to the margins, and if it is to survive it needs to move with the times and explore and experiment new ways of presenting the product to an ever-demanding audience. Interest in The County Championship remains high, but many are put off from attending by restrictive old-fashioned attitudes, which sadly are often expressed in this very forum.

[John Fitzgerald]

Not shadows. Middlesex played Kent at Canterbury. All was well until the after dinner session under lights when the pink ball swung round corners and we were rapidly dismissed. Pink ball and floodlights not suitable in UK.

The other thing is that most of the crowd went home between 6 and 7pm as they did in other pink ball matches elsewhere. Old habits die hard.