Points system in cricket is ‘nonsense’, says Michael Vaughan

Former England captain says the system will result in 45 players on a podium at series' end

Former England captain Michael Vaughan on Thursday criticised the plan to introduce a points system for series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka and called it ‘nonsense’.

“It's an over-complication that is not needed,” he told BBC. “I think it is nonsense. Sometimes too many brains around the room complicate it. What you are going to have is 45 players on a podium at the end of the series,” he added.

Under the new system, four points will be awarded for a Test victory while two each for one-day internationals and T20s to decide on an overall winner of the series.

The system has been used by England women in the Ashes since 2013.



However, former England women’s international Ebony Rainford-Brent disagreed with Vaughan, claiming the new system in more engaging for players and fans.

“When I heard about the points system in the women's game I wasn't completely convinced. But I have to say, after watching the Ashes series against Australia for the women, I'm a massive fan,” she said. “It brings complete context and storylines to it. The key is getting the points right — they had to adjust it in the women's game — but once you do it, you can actually engage fans,” she added.

Former Australia bowler Jason Gillespie also favoured adopting the points system, drawing parallels from the Women’s Ashes. “I think the Women's Ashes last year got a lot of good feedback,” he said.



The Yorkshire coach also supported the idea of experimenting with the new system for upcoming England series with Sri Lanka and Pakistan before permanently deciding on it. “Let's give it a go and see how it works. The rating and ranking of points can always be tinkered with if it's not quite right,” he said. “And if it doesn't work scrap all together. But if you don't give it a go you won't know,” he added.

England is set to host Sri Lanka for three Tests, five one-day internationals and a one-off T20 in summers before playing four Tests against Pakistan, with the same number of limited-over games.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is already in negotiations with Sri Lanka and Pakistan, with each board required to consent to the concept before it can go ahead.