The ECB believes that the recommended Junior Formats are a necessary and appropriate adjustment to optimise enjoyment and skill development for young cricketers. 39% increase in running between the wickets.Batters were able to score runs in more areas.56% increase in shots played straight and on the offside.More accurate bowling, including a 15% increase in playable deliveries.The recommendations are based on insight and build upon the findings of a three year ECB and Loughborough University PhD research project, findings by other cricketing nations, most notably Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket, and feedback from Counties, Clubs, Schools and Junior Leagues.įor example, key findings from the ECB and Loughborough University study on the benefits of shorter pitches in junior cricket were: Through a ‘participation’ leading into ‘performance’ lens, the ECB has announced new recommended formats for all Junior Cricket in England and Wales. which takes into account their age and stage of development).Īs participation in team sports continues to decline, a number of National Governing Bodies of Sport, including the ECB, have looked to modify their sports to make them more attractive and appealing to audiences, current and future, particularly children and young people. The Junior Formats will give children a great experience of playing cricket, allowing them to develop skills in an ‘age and stage’ appropriate environment (i.e. Why have the new Junior Formats been created? The new Junior Formats are the ECB’s recommendations for junior boys’ and girls’ cricket in England and Wales from Under 9 to Under 17 age groups in terms of number of players, pitch lengths, maximum boundary size, game length and use of hard/soft balls.

What are the new recommended Junior Formats?

Kwik cricket scoring sheet