ACS Overseas First-Class Annual 2010

This does not mean that every country has expanded its first-class programme. The growth results principally from the reorganisation of first-class competitions in South Africa and Zimbabwe, the effect of which has been partly off-set by reductions in some other countries such as Bangladesh and West Indies. But despite fluctuations from country to country and from year to year, the overall trend is clear. Had this Annual existed ten years ago, it would have contained 523 matches. Going back ten years farther still, the hypothetical 1990 edition would have had to accommodate only 380 games. This inexorable growth of first-class cricket overseas is in striking contrast with the situation in the home of cricket. The first-class element of the game in England is already much diminished compared with a generation ago, and the authorities seem determined that the primary competition, the County Championship, must be curtailed still further. Although Peter Griffiths and Philip Bailey rightly lead the formal acknowledgments, it would be wrong of me not to mention them in the preface as well. It is not only that they have allowed free access to the unparalleled database of CricketArchive (www.cricketarchive.com ): their generosity with their expertise and advice has eased my task as editor in countless ways. But however great their contribution – and, as I said last year, the Annual would simply not be possible without them – responsibility for any errors or other shortcomings rests with me as editor. John Bryant Editor 20 Wilton Square London N1 3DL overseasannual@acscricket.com July 2010 6