Lancashire's controversial proposal to shed four counties from the championship wins the backing of 11 other counties.

Controversy ran high and ill-feelings ran deep when Lancashire's proposal that four of the weaker sides in the championship be excluded from the competition won the private backing of 11 other counties.

Peace broke out only after a tense meeting of the Advisory Committee at Lord's. Agreement was reached to continue with all counties still involved in the championship although, quite understandably, a residue of resentment remained among the smaller counties towards the bigger ones.

This was in 1913.

This 'what shall we do with the championship?' malarkey is nothing new!