ECB seeks umpire Simon Taufel's views

ECB seeks umpire Simon Taufel's views

The ECB is holding a Test match seminar on 19th January, says Colin Gibson, the Head of Corporate Communication of the ECB.

By Bipin Dani

"We are holding a Test match seminar day in England to discuss the ways in which the game can ensure Test match cricket remains the pre eminent form of the game", he said from London.

"The discussion day will provide recommendations for the ECB Board and we will decide what actions to take", he further added. Without identifying the list of speakers, he added, "the invitees are from all areas of the game".

According to the sources in London, ICC's Australian Elite Panel umpire Simon Taufel is likely to put his views to protect the game of Test cricket. He will be on his way from Dubai, where he was also invited by the ICC to discuss the development and standard of umpiring, it is learnt.

"This meeting (seminar) is an internal meeting between the ECB and representatives from various first-class counties to discuss ways in which Test cricket can be maintained as the preominent format of the game going forward. It will simply be a forum to develop discussion points that can be presented to the board as part of the ECB's commitment to maintaining Test cricket's standing in the game", James Avery, the ECB Media Relations Manager said.

Former England captains Michael Vaughan, Nasser Hussain and Mike Atherton as well as national selector Geoff Miller are also the guest speakers on this day. Views from no Asian players are sought.

"As far as I am aware, this is an ECB initiative that is seeking to improve its own Test cricket status and how that impacts on world Test cricket. I don't think that there are any invitees from the sub continent. The ECB seems to be taking a proactive approach to ensuring that Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport in England and with the ICC....and good on them for looking at this !", someone concerned and close to the process of saving Test cricket said exclusively.