Even if a player averaged 40+, there's no guarantee that as a coach, they will have a +ve effect. 2 completely different skillsets.

Yeah, some data is unclear what it means, too... is CAG state school % for winter training cohort or summer matchplay, a smaller number, for example.

In a recent ECB article, the number of boys and girls benefitting from this training is stated as just 700. While this is a 'floor' figure that could be higher, this represents a tiny fraction of all state school kids.

What is actually happening?

The Supplementary Support Programme appears to be funding  just the age groups U13, U14 & U15 for 2025/2026...

Perhaps some smoke and mirrors going on? I feel like the Equity in Cricket report was rushed out. It's quite thin on detail, especially budgetry info.

Pilots have run at Warwickshire and Hampshire. Don't know of any more. People not keen to chat about this stuff, which in itself is concerning. Not sure Somerset count as a pilot bcs it seems the SSP is based on what they have done since 2023.

*report should

To validate progress the reports hold include improvements in end goal outcomes, not a list of 'actions' as you say. Even some evidence that pilots have worked would be useful.

Some progress has been made but in certain areas, such as classism/state school numbers, there are worse outcomes than last year (Oct 2024). Lots of actions but little progress.

RE: Funding. I suspect there isn't funding yet, for example, to roll out extra state school CAG training in all 18 PCCs.

The timing of the report is interesting...
It's only 2.5yrs since the ICEC report. So the 3yr report was 'due' next year, post Ashes.
Also publishing on the 1st day of the men's Ashes warm up match, with many hacks on a jolly in Aus may simply be a coincidence.

Also interesting this report is published on the 1st day of the Ashes warm up match. Most sports journos will be busy covering that.

2022 200 joined with 74 hubs
2023 180 joined with 77 hubs
2024 206 joined with 126 hubs

From MCCF Accounts.

Is the £1million investment in 2023 from the ECB & MCC being effectively spent?

Also despite a 70% increase in the number of MCCF hubs there has been NO significant increase in the number of state school kids joining talent pathways from this ECB supported programme...

Afaik there are only 2 counties with plans to deliver this in 2025/26. 🤔 and there are definitely counties without plans to do this!

...All 18 PCCs will provide Supplementary Support in 2025- 26, engaging an estimated 690 state-educated boys and girls.'

This represents just around 6% of state school kids in the talent pathway & will, on average, be one boys & one girls age group at each county.

RE: 50% extra coaching for CAG state schoolers
'In 2024-25, 11 PCCs participated in a pilot and engaged 422 cricketers aged under 13-15, providing additional coaching and playing opportunities...

To win: Top order needs to aim for a run a ball SR mainly through lower dot ball%. Teams also need mid order (& lower order) to go at 100+ e.g. Gardner, Ghosh, de Klerk. Perhaps Heather Knight & NSB were around mid 80s SR bcs they felt they couldn't get out.

Really interesting point on the comparison of batting strike rates at this and the previous WCs. How does Eng structure the team to be more comfortable reaching 300 which seems to be a new standard? They did get 300 v India in the summer.

What will be the 'minimum' expectation at the home T20 WC?

Are there any England A &/or U19 fixtures scheduled over the winter pls?