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That's the way to do it England, says Yorkshire chief
AFP
29 December 1998
LEEDS, England, Dec 29 (AFP) - England's momentous Ashes Test victory
over Australia in Melbourne on Tuesday could steer the game to
unprecedented riches back home, according to Yorkshire chairman Keith
Moss.
Moss watched with pride as his county's star Darren Gough dismissed
Stuart MacGill and Glenn McGrath to secure England's dramatic 12-run
win.
While captain Alec Stewart and his players celebrated their unexpected
success, marketeers for the county game finally believe they have a
nettle to grasp in their bid to relaunch the domestic game in England.
``It is so vital for the game in England that the Test team do well,''
said Moss.
``Think back to the day at Headingley last year when 10,000 people
turned out for 28 minutes' cricket against South Africa.
``If England are not successful then sponsors are not interested in
becoming involved. Once the national side starts winning, the
spin-offs can be incredible.''
Moss knows a thing or two about the financial side of the game having
transformed Yorkshire's ailing finances into one of the most
successful commercial operations in the country during his time as
Headingley finance chief.
With next year's World Cup and a new two-division championship format
in 2000 to look forward to, England's unexpected success could provide
the platform for much-needed financial stability.
``We have to be hungry for success in all areas of the game,'' said
Moss. ``From what I saw it was a case of the lads believing in
themselves, wanting it to happen.
``Obviously, as a Yorkshireman I was thrilled by Darren Gough's
performance but Dean Headley (who took six second innings wickets) was
outstanding as well.
``Steve Waugh made an error of judgement at the start of the last over,
but who cares. It is so nice to see a smile of the face of English
cricket again.''
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