Andrew Strauss has called for players to use the Royal London One-Day Cup as an opportunity to impress the national selectors.
The 50-over game has seen renewed interest both on and off the pitch recently, and with the Royal London One-Day Cup starting this weekend, the ICC Champions Trophy and the next cricket World Cup earmarked for England in 2017 and 2019 respectively, the competition will once again provide the ideal platform for those players seeking to hone their skills in the format and impress the England selectors.
Strauss, the ECB’s Director of England Cricket, said: “This year’s World Cup has been a turning point in the one-day game and the recent New Zealand series has shown the one-day game can offer plenty of excitement.
“We know it is something we can be better at and this competition is a great opportunity for players to impress in the run up to two major competitions in front of home crowds.
“As a player it’s a dream to play at Lord’s and everyone will have their eye on lifting that trophy in September.”
The 50-over competition will sees 18 counties battle it out for the chance to contest the final at Lord’s on September 19th.
Durham are the current holders of the Royal London One-Day Cup after they narrowly overcame Warwickshire by three wickets in a closely contested final last September.
Worcestershire Rapids will launch their 50 over campaign at the Emirates ICG next Monday (July 27) having completed a double over Durham in the NatWest T20 Blast.
Mark Stoneman, who lifted the trophy at Lord’s, said: “The 50-over competition is a great opportunity for players to kick on and make a claim for international honours.
“As a cricketer playing for your country is what you want to do first, then playing a Lord’s final comes second – so the chance to not only lead your team out, but to win a trophy is a fantastic experience.
“Lord’s is the greatest place on earth to play cricket and this competition really is the showpiece of the summer.
“We have a pretty good squad at Durham this year so are hoping we can do it again.”
