Tests vs Twenty20

So the schedule for the tour of South Africa has been announced, as has the decision by a number of England players to take part in the early part of the IPL season this summer. As far as I can see, it's impossible to separate the two decisions, and they will both impact on the future of cricket, both in England and worldwide.

South Africa seemed to be a safe place to go and play a solid 5 test series. I have never heard anybody actually argue that it is better to play fewer tests, and last time we were in SA in 2004-5 the test series played out really nicely, despite a controversial draw in Durban. It seems that the ECB are fairly disgruntled by the itinerary, but until they come out and make clear their intentions to play meaningful series England's test hopes will be bulldozed by meaningless ODIs. Really, that's the most ridiculous part. I thought the cricket world had decided that 50 over internationals were dead. Twenty20 good, Tests good, gimmick-laden ODIs: bad.

Speaking of the upcoming tour, I'm already desperately trying to find the best value flights to fit in with school holidays and it's the return flights that are causing a problem, as the early birds are gambling and booking the latest flights back before the first day back at school. I'm now considering flying out early, possibly taking a little holiday in Namibia before flying into Durban, watching the test there then flying home on the cheapest flight I can get around New Year. Most England supporters will be celebrating the onset of 2010 (it's only just 2009!!) in Cape Town, overlooking the harbour and in the shadow of Table Mountain, and as I doubt Durban can compete with that, I may as well be mid-air if it saves me a bob or two.

So, Flintoff, Pietersen (confirmed) and Harmison (as yet only rumoured) have put themselves forward for the opening four weeks of the IPL. I object to this on a number of grounds:

1) 'Burnout' - people were just starting to take it seriously when the IPL came along and cricketers decided that it would be fine if they were paid more.

2) Given the extensive opportunities now available for international cricketers after retirement, there is simply no argument that players 'need the money'. I felt so let down by Paul Collingwood claiming that he 'needs to pay school fees' for his children, and haven't quite forgiven him for not being able to see the way most people live now. Fifteen years ago even some international cricketers were forced to have a winter job to stay afloat. Those days are gone.

3) I had been hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the England stars playing for their Counties before the international season started, given that I can't afford the £65 a day ticket prices for the summer test matches. How much money will counties lose out on because of lost players? Not just from gate revenues but from winning fewer matches without their best players.

4) No matter what anybody says, four days in England in preparation for the international test season is not enough, especially after four weeks slogging like mad.

Part of me wishes the ECB would take the moral highground and tell any player that if he wishes to play in the IPL, he must play in the whole tournament and forego his England career. I know it seems like shooting English cricket in the foot, but there are thousands of people who would give anything to play the game they love for the country they love, and this childish tantrum-throwing from the players feels like a slap in the face to the fans. Player power is important, and yes, we need to try to balance the long and shortest forms of the game, but when England's success in put in jeopardy, as it is by this selfish, showboating exhausting charade, the ECB should have the teeth to stand firm and take control.

Tantrum over, for now! Bring on the Windies series!