The FCF - yet another TLA(*) to come out of the restructure of English and Welsh cricket in recent years - approved a home international playing programme of seven Test matches and 10 one day internationals from the year 2000 onwards; agreed, in principle, that an England squad should be contracted to the Board; opted for a 45 over two division National League in 1999 with three up and three down promotion and relegation; a NatWest trophy competition of 50 overs, as opposed to 60 overs, from 1999 and approved the further exploration of a two division County Championship and early season regional cricket.

The increase in international play from the usual 5-6 Tests and 3-4 one day internationals will provide greater revenue from broadcast rights.

The National League - replacing the Sunday League - sees matches extended in length from the previous forty overs but not to the full 50 that many wanted. Forty-five overs per innings is the same length as the day-night matches played in the South African Standard Bank League. With nine teams in each of the two divisions of the National League, a three-up/three-down promotion/relegation system means that one-third of teams will be changing divisions each season, providing for greater interest away from the top of the ladder.

The length of NatWest Trophy matches was reduced from 60 to 50 overs per innings to bring them into line with standard one-day international duration.

Lord MacLaurin, Chairman of the ECB said: ``This was a significant two days for Cricket in this country. We have embraced the need for change and had a lively and healthy debate about the way forward. I feel much more optimistic about the future of Cricket as our national summer sport.''

* TLA = Three Letter Acronym