This one is tricky to enforce for an obvious reason: where do you find the time? We're constantly told about how busy the international cricket schedule is, with ongoing discussion about a window for the IPL or similar tournaments like the Big Bash. And in the age of central contracts, it's no longer the case that England's cricketers have to fulfil county commitments in between home Test matches, as was the case when Ian Botham was in his pomp. Warm-up matches aren't a guarantee that someone will perform in the Test arena. The crowds are smaller, the opposition are often of a lesser ability and the atmosphere is very different. But what they do provide is a chance for individual players to get into rhythm and start reading pitches which may be very different to their home conditions. It's a good way to break new players in and finalise the starting line-up for the Test side. If England persist with their meticulous style of preparation that characterised their win Down Under in 2010-11, then insisting on more warm-up matches on every tour is a good start. It is far more effective than nets at testing a batsman's technique, and adds more variety to tours which always stop at the same venues. It won't solve all England's problems, but it will help in some small way.
Freelance copywriter, film buff, community radio presenter. Former host of The Movie Hour podcast (http://www.lionheartradio.com/ and click 'Interviews'), currently presenting on Phonic FM in Exeter (http://www.phonic.fm/). Other loves include theatre, music and test cricket.
