The Hundred’s mania to be different makes it grimmer by the minute

More leaks have dribbled out about The Hundred, the proposed one-day tournament that will take over the prime weeks of the cricket season in 2020. The advent of five-ball overs, which reduces the length of the game – as does the notion of bowling two overs consecutively from the same end, which could be delivered by the same bowler - may excite broadcasters concerned about the game disrupting their schedules but not many others.

The game has been prospering in a summer when the sun just keeps shining. The England and Wales Cricket Board has been able to trumpet increased attendances in the Royal London Cup; the same applies in the Vitality Blast. The international white‑ball matches have been sell-outs – although that was not so tricky at Headingley since we somehow ended up playing the decider against India on a groundwith the biggest stand empty since it was under construction, which seemed a waste if not a surprise. Hopefully the stand will be ready for their Ashes Test next year.

The Test series against India should be well attended; the same applies to the Kia Super League, the women’s T20 competition, until it is cast aside at the altar of The Hundred in 2020. Apart from a dearth of championship cricket for stalwarts (for example nothing at Taunton for Somerset members from 12 June until 19 August) there is much to be cheerful about. But news about The Hundred does not come into this category.

For cricket lovers the advent of The Hundred creates as much excitement and bewilderment as arguments over Brexit; most of them don’t want it to happen and as is so often the way in the current climate we are reduced to pining for the least worst option. Of course that does not matter to the ECB because the Hundred is not designed for cricket lovers. The acceptance of the notion that a whole new audience will be enticed by five‑ball overs and a hundred balls is a triumph for those in marketing; presumably they have also factored in the alienation of so many cricket fans, especially in the shires, who have no intention of watching contrived teams with which they have no affinity in a shortened game miles from home.

No doubt we will eventually be assailed by the ECB about the “radical changes” of The Hundred, which will not convince those familiar with the game. All we are witnessing is a grim determination to be different, which is designed to satisfy the broadcasters and the counties not involved, who counter-intuitively are not too bothered if the Hundred fails to take off. All that concerns them is that they can sustain the success of the Blast, which is more likely with such a bizarre rival, while receiving their annual boost of £1.3m for not hosting The Hundred – assuming that promise is honoured.

Essentially cricket already has three fine formats, which work well. It does not need a fourth that increasingly seems to lack the simplicity that was, according to the ECB, supposed to appeal to “women and children”. The Hundred is an unnecessary gimmick especially since T20 cricket so obviously prospers – and is understood – all around the world. It may deliver quick cash from the TV deal; it will not enhance the game. Young English cricketers would welcome the chance to display their skills in the hope of lucrative contracts in the IPL and the Big Bash, playing in the proper short-form of the game.

So forgive my lack of excitement at the latest leaks about The Hundred. On balance I am more interested in the details of the external review announced on 28 March into Glamorgan’s receipt of £2.5m from the ECB as compensation for not bidding for Tests between 2020 and 2024 but, oddly enough, they have not been leaked yet.