ECB Chairman warns of burn-out risk

The Chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board is warning of the danger of burn-out in international cricket.

Lord MacLaurin believes the number of centrally-contracted players, which currently stands at 12, may have to increase.

"With the programme stretching out over the next four or five years, I would imagine that there may have to be more players contracted to the board," MacLaurin told the BBC.

"That would mean people are not obliged to go on each and every tour. Otherwise you will have burn-out," he said.

England's programme over the next 12 months includes seven home Tests, a large quantity of one-day internationals, an Ashes tour and the World Cup in South Africa.

"We want to prolong their cricketing lives as much as we possibly can," MacLaurin said. "I think we have to be very sensible about it. These cricketers are married and have young families and are growing up.

"We have to be very sensible about the way we care for our players and guard against burn-out."