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

It's a new year... with plenty of uncertainty in world cricket. We asked our expert writers from around the globe: who truly holds the levers of power in the global game?

It's a new year... with plenty of uncertainty in world cricket. We asked our expert writers from around the globe: who truly holds the levers of power in the global game?

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

1. "What took me by surprise was that people liked watching those games, but also the digital clips in the changing room with the players or when they’re training. It was all that sort of stuff that brought the game to life, so I think, with the way we need to grow the game’s appeal, the digital agenda is massively important"

Ian Watmore, the ECB chairman, gives his first, in-depth interview to The Cricketer’s Simon Hughes in our February issue. He seems a different kind of operator to his predecessors, Colin Graves and Giles Clarke. Watmore – a former civil servant who worked in No10 with Tony Blair, and the father of Middlesbrough footballer Duncan – says English cricket’s digital presence is a priority.

2. "When Sachin Tendulkar was sacked as India captain in 1997, the BCCI did not even trouble to tell him. The idea they could do the same to Virat Kohli today is risible"

Image and social media have never been more important, and Virat Kohli is the king, writes Gideon Haigh.

^{ECB chairman Ian Watmore}

3. "Standing up, Ben Foakes is the most naturally gifted keeper in the world. So natural that he doesn’t have to over-complicate his game with technical issues"

Jack Russell is the oracle of wicketkeeping. He rates England’s four main keepers heading into the Tests in India.

4. "Lalor did something very funny, not just holding his ground, but turning the destructor ray on Ponting himself, who he basically accused of being partial, a stooge, and an offence to journalism, sport and the pursuit of truth"

Barney Ronay says more non-players should break up the commentary box cartel.

^{A look ahead to 2021}

5. "Ben Foakes, by comparison, averages 38.78 in first-class cricket and had the same number of centuries after one Test innings as Buttler had after 81"

George Dobell believes Ben Foakes should be England’s Test wicketkeeper.

6. "In terms of sports ministry funding we’re right at the bottom, alongside speleology [cave exploration] and luge. Darts and bridge are above us"

The 92 Associate nations have often been reliant on the ICC’s big pot of money but, as James Coyne writes, their largely unseen world is growing more visible by the day.

^{Who runs the game?}

Elsewhere... Huw Turbervill previews what should be a busy year, former Middlesex wicketkeeper David Nash is glad he’s no longer a cricketer, Nasser Hussain says cricketers should concentrate on playing the game rather than feeding the stump microphone, former Everton and England midfielder Peter Reid explains why he loves cricket.

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