County cricket is in good shape, says Warne

At the end of his second stint with Hampshire, Shane Warne insists that county cricket is in good condition, although he believes that a few changes could improve it even further.

"When I look back over another enjoyable season in England, I can see that county cricket is in good shape overall," said Warne in his article in The Times. "England are starting to play well because it [the County Championship] is competitive and producing some high-quality games, so the best players are learning how to win.

"Having said that, I would change a few things here and there, he admitted. "One is the sheer volume of cricket; there is definitely too much at the moment. Players just don't get the chance to practise or recover. I think the workload is a big reason why out-and-out fast bowlers are not coming through."

Warne, who played a vital role in Hampshire's promotion to Division One with 51 Championship wickets at an average of just over 24 this season, suggested that the number of matches played be reduced from 16 to 12, with some counties playing each other only once, adding that this "could be organised on a system depending on finishing positions the season before."

Warne recommended that the National League schedule also be reduced to 12 games. "Put together, this would open up 20 days through the season for players to rest or work on their techniques. The Twenty20 Cup can stay as it is."

Warne also advocated the scrapping of bonus points in the County Championship, saying: "I think some teams have been playing for them this season instead of going all out to win. The difference between what you can earn for a win and a draw with full bonus points should be greater.

"I accept there must be something for a draw, if only because of the way the weather can influence a game. It should be minimal - two points, say - to make sure that teams playing for big-scoring draws all season do not become champions." Warwickshire, this season's county champions, went through the season unbeaten, but only won five matches, and drew 11.

Warne added that he believed counties should come to an agreement regarding the issue of overseas players, where every team would have to include eight players who are qualified to play for England, concluding: "The other three can be overseas, EU, or little green men from Mars."