In praise of the championship

During every decade, every single year probably, of county cricket's long existence there has been introspection and concern and gloomy warnings about the future yet still it remains and strong it remains and for that we have to thank not the people who run English cricket, for many of those you would have serious doubts about leaving in charge of a whelk stall for more than 20 minutes, but the people who love cricket. At Taunton last week the crowds were good and, even though Somerset were well and truly thrashed, there was a palpable sense of relish and enjoyment among their supporters as the great game resumed. Despite all the tampering with the county championship and the, at times, total misunderstanding of it (I recall one county chief executive coming into a press-box and cheerfully totally rubbishing the championship - mercifully, he is now out of the industry), the championship continue to thrives and charm. And nowhere is it more charming than at New Road, of course, with the cathedral, the glorious trees, the hanging baskets, the cake and the golden memories of Turner, Graveney, and Boyns.