“There is a cultural war going on, almost about the soul of the game...”

The schedule, long-regarded as too congested, is more congested than ever. Top players, not least potential overseas signings, are more elusive than ever due to central contracts and franchise tournaments. Meanwhile, the gulf between the game craved by the purists and that propagated by the innovators is wider than ever. 

Yes, the county game is a complex equation. Which means running a county cricket club has never been a more challenging job. Fortunately, Stuart Cain likes a challenge.