That's the way to do it England, says Yorkshire chief (29 December 1998)

29 December 1998

That's the way to do it England, says Yorkshire chief

AFP

LEEDS, England, Dec 29 (AFP) - England's momentous Ashes Test victory over Australia in Melbourne on Tuesday could steer the game to unprecedented riches back home, according to Yorkshire chairman Keith Moss.

Moss watched with pride as his county's star Darren Gough dismissed Stuart MacGill and Glenn McGrath to secure England's dramatic 12-run win.

While captain Alec Stewart and his players celebrated their unexpected success, marketeers for the county game finally believe they have a nettle to grasp in their bid to relaunch the domestic game in England.

"It is so vital for the game in England that the Test team do well," said Moss.

"Think back to the day at Headingley last year when 10,000 people turned out for 28 minutes' cricket against South Africa.

"If England are not successful then sponsors are not interested in becoming involved. Once the national side starts winning, the spin-offs can be incredible."

Moss knows a thing or two about the financial side of the game having transformed Yorkshire's ailing finances into one of the most successful commercial operations in the country during his time as Headingley finance chief.

With next year's World Cup and a new two-division championship format in 2000 to look forward to, England's unexpected success could provide the platform for much-needed financial stability.

"We have to be hungry for success in all areas of the game," said Moss. "From what I saw it was a case of the lads believing in themselves, wanting it to happen.

"Obviously, as a Yorkshireman I was thrilled by Darren Gough's performance but Dean Headley (who took six second innings wickets) was outstanding as well.

"Steve Waugh made an error of judgement at the start of the last over, but who cares. It is so nice to see a smile of the face of English cricket again."

Source :: AFP