Six reasons to pick up the May issue of The Cricketer!

The May issue of The Cricketer magazine celebrates the return of county cricket and is packed with spring surprises…

You can buy a copy of the issue online HERE or SUBSCRIBE HERE! Here's what's in the mag...

1. "We have seen run-rates rise a little on the previous decade thanks to England's belligerent batting… but it is not the fastest-scoring decade (well, so far) according to data provided by Cricket Archive…"

In the light of 'Bazball', Huw Turbervill compares run-rates through the decades since Test cricket cricket started.

2. "I took 50 Test wickets by the time I was 22, but only 125 in all. Doesn’t that just show how I failed to fulfil my potential?"

Former fast bowler Steve Finn reflects on the disappointing end to his England career.

^{Huw Turbervill compares Test run-rates through the decades}

3. "It's understandable that the counties are all looking for other revenue streams. It's understandable people resort to pay-day loans, too. It doesn't make it wise"

George Dobell bemoans the great The Hundred sell-off.

4. "I don't mind trying these things, but either do it properly for a long period, or don't do it at all"

Nasser Hussain also answers a question on the Kookaburra in 'Ask Nasser'.

^{George Dobell bemoans the great Hundred sell-off}

5. "No system is immune from flaws, whether of technology, installation or interpretation, but this gets us all closer to the truth"

Mike Brearley considers the Decision Review System.

6. "It is shaping up to be a crucial event for the futures of both Matthew Mott as England white-ball coach and Jos Buttler as captain"

With the T20 World Cup, James Coyne considers England's options.

^{Mike Brearley on DRS}

Elsewhere... Derek Pringle says Bazball must occasionally bend the knee; Richard Hobson enjoys a 2024-style tour of the county circuit, without leaving his house, thanks to streaming; Mike Selvey asks why new Lord’s-record breaker Sam Northeast has not gone on to bigger things; Nick Friend and Elizabeth Botcherby preview the final edition of the women’s regional system in its current guise, ahead of a shift back to the counties; David Frith picks out his 20 favourite cricket books from nearly 75 years of collecting; and Samantha Bond, Miss Moneypenny from the James Bond films, has lunch with David Gower.

You can buy a copy of the issue online HERE or SUBSCRIBE HERE!