Peter Anderson was back at his desk again this morning after spending time last week at Lord's attending a working party consisting of a number of first class county Chief Executives, at which the results of a national market survey on the structure of cricket were reported.

The Somerset Chief Executive told me: "A series of further meetings later this week are scheduled, aimed at culminating in a meeting of all First Class Counties on March 5th at Lord's when a decision will be made on the competition format for 2003 and beyond."

Mr Anderson told me that there were several key points that were beginning to emerge from the discussions.

"Firstly an increase in the number of centrally-contracted players is likely, given the increase in international cricket including the World Cup next winter.

"Secondly, how that in itself is likely to impact on the standard of first-class cricket."

"Thirdly, whether or not star England players should be compensated by the addition to the number of overseas players allowed."

"Finally, whether or not an early season knock-out competition should be replaced by a 20-over competition played in a block mid-season from 4.15 until 8.15pm."

I asked the Somerset Chief Executive for his thoughts on the situation.

Mr Anderson told me: "I believe that there is a direct relationship between the number of centrally-contracted players and the number of overseas players and hope this is worked out in a logical fashion.

"I am very concerned about the possible loss of an early season knock-out competition in favour of a 20-over slog, which apart from cricketing reasons is silly because it devalues the worth of county subscriptions.

"Somerset is urging the ECB to allow each and every county to poll its members on this one issue and balance that against the national marketing survey."

© SOMERSET